National Football League

Lions WR Johnson not playing against Browns

Published Aug. 19, 2011 8:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

Detroit's top wide receiver Calvin Johnson is being kept out of the Lions' exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns as a precaution because of a bruised shoulder.

Johnson was not initially listed among Detroit's inactives, but the team announced he would sit shortly before Friday's opening kickoff. Maurice Stovall will start in Johnson's place.

Johnson got hurt in last week's 34-3 win over Cincinnati. He practiced twice this week and it was assumed he would play in Detroit's second preseason game. He had two catches for 37 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals.

Johnson had 12 TD catches last season.