Calvin Johnson wants to play in preseason but probably won't
The Detroit Lions will travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars in preseason action on Friday, but don't expect to see the team's biggest star take the field. Although All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson is fully healthy, the Lions don't want to risk an injury by playing him in a meaningless exhibition game.
"You may expect it, but you will not get it," Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said about Johnson playing against the Jaguars, per Justin Rogers of MLive.com.
Being held out of the action is frustrating for Johnson. He thinks there's a lot to be gained from playing in the preseason, even for a receiver as accomplished as he is.
"Any player looks forward to it, whether it's preseason, regular season, getting out there before the season starts," Johnson said, via MLive.com. "Of course. Need that."
Fellow Lions wide receiver Golden Tate respectfully disagrees, though.
"The way he plays the game, the way he practices, we know what he's bringing to the table," Tate said, according to MLive.com. "You never know who is going to intentionally jeopardize his health by trying too much, maybe even intentionally.
"We're doing the right thing by protecting him. We know what he can do. He's the best player in the world. He doesn't have anything to prove."
Johnson, 29, has been to five consecutive Pro Bowls, but he's coming off an injury-hampered season. His 2014 reception (71) and yardage (1,077) totals were his lowest since 2009.
(h/t MLive.com)
