Lions vs. Browns: Calvin Johnson ruled out for Detroit

It's really become a preseason tradition for Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson to be ruled out for games, and this year is no different. When the Lions open the 2014 preseason against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field, they will be without Johnson, who has been ruled out for Saturday night's game. He will be joined on the sideline by defensive end Ziggy Ansah and wide receiver TJ Jones, who both remain on the PUP list.

While Ansah and Jones are still waiting to be activated from the PUP list, Johnson is out mainly just to get some rest. He was excused from practice earlier this week, and let's not forget that he had a couple offseason surgeries. Quite simply, there's no need to risk injury by playing him in a game that doesn't count, so the Lions are keeping him sidelined.

With Johnson out, Kris Durham will get the start in his place at wide receiver. Kevin Ogletree has seemingly emerged as the Lions' No. 3 receiver, but it's Durham who will be starting.

At defensive end, meanwhile, Devin Taylor is set to start in Ansah's usual spot. This is a nice opportunity for Taylor to show what he can do in a starting role, so I suppose that's the bright side of Ansah remaining out.