NFL PLAYER NEWS

Lions WR Johnson could return this week

The Sports Xchange

October 21, 2014 at 9:07 am.

Calvin Johnson could be close to a return. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson hopes to participate in the team’s first workout in London and could return after missing two games with a high ankle sprain.

The Lions and Atlanta Falcons play Sunday at Wembley Stadium in the second NFL game in London this season. In the first game, the Miami Dolphins beat the Oakland Raiders.

Johnson was playing injured for two weeks and if he doesn’t play this week, would have the luxury of an additional week off with Detroit’s bye in Week 9.

“I’m still working,” Johnson said Tuesday as the Lions made a public appearance in England. “I’m working to get a feel each and every week, working every day. If I’m good enough to play, I’m going to play. So I’m going to leave it at that.”

With Johnson sidelined, Golden Tate has emerged as the No. 1 receiver with the Lions. He caught 10 passes last week, but Detroit’s offense is not sustaining drives as quarterback Matt Stafford adjusts to life without his top playmaker.

The Lions are 9 for 39 on third down the past three games.

“I know he’s on this trip. He looks good in the training room, so I’m hoping that he’s back,” Tate said. “I’m trying to give best-case scenario; he’s going to be back out there, and we definitely need him out there, especially this week.”

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