Lions injury report: Five players miss practice

Although the Detroit Lions have seemingly been getting healthier in recent weeks at certain positions (tight end, for example), injuries remain a big problem for this team. Case in point: Five Lions players were sidelined from Wednesday's practice. Granted, one of those players, Jason Jones, was out for something not related to an injury, but running back Joique Bell, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, offensive guard Larry Warford and defensive tackle Nick Fairley were sidelined with actual injuries.

Of the four players who missed practice with injuries, I'd say Bell is the one worth the most concern this week. Warford and Fairley aren't expected back for at least a couple more weeks after suffering knee injuries, and Johnson likely just received a day off based on what he said on Wednesday:

Calvin Johnson said his elbow injury was just a cut. Elbow and ankle are fine. #Lions

— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) November 19, 2014

Bell also may have just been given a day off, but his status will be worth monitoring as the week progresses. Although running back Reggie Bush practiced on a limited basis and is set to return this week, Bell is expected to be the main running back going forward given how well he played last week. Not having him for the New England Patriots game on Sunday would be a tough blow.

In any case, here's the Lions' full injury report for Wednesday:

RB Joique Bell (ankle) - Did not practice
RB Reggie Bush (ankle) - Limited in practice
WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) - Did not practice
TE Brandon Pettigrew (foot) - Fully practiced
OT LaAdrian Waddle (knee) - Limited in practice
OG Larry Warford (knee) - Did not practice
DE Jason Jones (not injury related) - Did not practice
DT Nick Fairley (knee) - Did not practice

It's also worth noting that wide receiver TJ Jones has finally returned to practice. He's been on the PUP list all season, and the Lions now have three weeks to watch him practice before they have to make a decision on his status for the rest of the season. Chances are they will simply keep him on the PUP list the rest of the year, but if they think he can contribute down the stretch, they could activate him to the 53-man roster.