Calvin Johnson injury: Lions WR says he doesn't feel as bad as last week

Calvin Johnson is the backbone of the Detroit Lions' offense, and on Wednesday he told the team website that his knee is feeling much better than it did heading into Week 9. Johnson played very well in the 31-14 win over the Jaguars last week -- Megatron caught seven passes for 129 yards in Week 9 -- but his pain level was very high. Here's what Johnson told Lions.com heading into the team's game against the Minnesota Vikings:

"I'm feeling alright, not as bad as last week - not quite as bad. Still some things I have to work on to get better in treatment but it's definitely not as bad as last week.

"The only experience I've had physically that was similar to last week's game is my rookie year when I had some pretty good back pain. That was tough. You lose some of your focus because you're thinking about the pain - whenever you make a move it's hurting."

Johnson currently leads the team with 48 receptions, 767 receiving yards, a 16.0 yards-per-catch average and 15 plays of 20+ yards. Titus Young is beginning to emerge as a top complimentary option, and the second-year wideout should continue to thrive as long as Johnson is healthy enough to draw double coverage.

The Lions lost to the Vikings, 20-13, back in Week 4. The rematch is slated for 1 p.m. ET on FOX on Sunday.