Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson Miss Practice

by Sean Yuille on Nov 24, 2009 11:11 PM EST in Detroit Lions News

Both Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson missed practice on Tuesday, and it looks like the chances of either playing against the Packers on Thanksgiving are slim. Stafford's shoulder, though it is feeling a bit better, doesn't seem to be very close to returning to full strength, or at least healing enough to the point where he could play on Thursday. As for Calvin Johnson, he has a knee and hand issue, and it doesn't look like he will play unless both injuries suddenly heal in the next day or so.

Also missing practice on Tuesday for the Lions were Dewayne White, Ernie Sims, Kalvin Pearson, and Ko Simpson. Simpson is for sure out on Thursday and might even be out for the season with a knee injury. The Lions are waiting to see if he will need to be placed on injured reserve, and I imagine a decision will be made after the game on Thursday. Replacing Simpson in the lineup this week will likely be Marvin White, though Anthony Henry could also be in the mix to start.

One thing is for sure: Thanksgiving couldn't have come at a worse time for the Lions. It figures that the Lions' one short week of the year would follow a game in which Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and a few others got hurt. Had the injuries happened on, say Thanksgiving, chances are Stafford and Megatron wouldn't miss any games because of the extra time off. Of course, with the way the schedule is set up, those two could very well only miss one game, but I just wish it wasn't against the Packers on national television. Here's to hoping for a Thanksgiving miracle in the form of their injuries suddenly rapidly healing or Daunte Culpepper and company getting their act together and pulling off the upset.

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i think stafford will play

man-gina say we fake injuries… so he will play!!!!

just by what he has said and what Schwartz has said and what the thanksgiving game means to this team

could be wrong but who knows with Schwartz he wouldn’t tell you what color car he drives let alone if his players are going to play

Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??

by det32 on Nov 24, 2009 11:23 PM EST reply actions

I'm also hopeful Stafford can play . . .

And not just because I want to see him when I travel North (thanks to all the fans that helped sell out for Turkey Day). I’ve dislocated my shoulder before, and there is a possibility, albeit a small one, that he could play. IF he only dislocated his shoulder, and they were able to set it quickly in the lockerroom, there is a possibility that the dislocation was just blunt trauma and not much actual structural damage was done (meaning he’s going to deal with mostly bruising). Given the fact that Stafford was driven to the ground by a 305 pound man, this scenario is entirely plausible.

If, however, it is a separation, which I know sounds the same, but is actually much different, then it’s going to take longer to heal, because there is actual tissue damage. The key is how effected the tissue around the joint is, if it’s minimal swelling, there’s a very real chance that he could go, because the first injury is more of a fluke than anything. Wishful thinking, I know.

In reality I just want to see the Lions give the pack a run for their money, because even in Tennessee I can’t escape Packer Backers, and I don’t want to hear it at work come Monday. Go Lions!

by TennesseeYooper on Nov 24, 2009 11:47 PM EST reply actions

+1

Your 100% correct concerning the seperation of a shoulder.

I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver

Pic - me vs. Bears fans

by NYCLionsfan on Nov 25, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions

Same here…to the above comment about going back to work and hearing the comments. Green Bay has some injuries that we need to take advantage of + coming off an exciting win where we fought our hearts out to the end..damn I love football

by lionsfansince81 on Nov 24, 2009 11:53 PM EST reply actions

I'm defintely hoping that they can play

But I’m not holding my breath.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.

by Hyperion Ecta on Nov 25, 2009 12:03 AM EST reply actions

I say Staff is done for the season

If it was indeed a seperated shoulder that’s typically a 6 week injury at least. If it’s not then juct put CPep in the rest of the year. Let Staff rest and get some more O Linemen and maybe CPep can do a few things and raise his trade status.

I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver

Pic - me vs. Bears fans

by NYCLionsfan on Nov 25, 2009 11:23 AM EST reply actions