The Detroit Lions had star wide receiver Calvin Johnson back in practice on Tuesday. According to the Detroit Free Press, Johnson participated in practice and went through drills with a blue splint on his left index finger. This was a cause for concern on Monday, when Johnson was not at practice.
Some thought that Johnson had missed practice due to the injury to that same finger, but head coach Jim Schwartz was adamant that Johnson's absence was a scheduled day off and not the result of any injury. That's confirmed by the fact that he's running through all of his drills with the splint covering the finger on Tuesday.
Detroit definitely needs Johnson to be healthy. They've been investing in the wide receiver position beyond him, but he is the real superstar of the team, and the most reliable target for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Still dealing with problems at the running back position, the Lions can't afford to have someone of Johnson's caliber miss time. Fortunately, it doesn't look like he will, so long as he doesn't aggravate that finger.
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