The Detroit Lions could be without their best player on Sunday in the final game of the regular season. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson missed practice on Thursday with an Achilles injury, and could potentially miss the game against the Green Bay Packers. Johnson said on Wednesday that he feels as good as ever at the end of a season, but with the Lions making the playoffs for the first time in a very long time, Johnson really should be as well-rested as possible heading into the playoffs.
Detroit could have something to play for though, with a No. 5 seed much more attractive than a No. 6 seed, because it would mean a matchup against the Giants or Cowboys over the 49ers or Saints, the latter two of which have already beat Detroit this season. So perhaps Johnson is more of a necessity than previously thought, but if Green Bay decides to rest some starters, then who knows?
Also of note is the fact that Nick Fairley, Corey Willians and Louis Delmas also missed practice on Thursday. Delmas is already ruled out for the Week 17 matchup against Green Bay. Willie Young and Chris Houston returned to practice, though the latter was in a very limited fashion.