Megatron, Ansah out for Lions' preseason opener

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:48 p.m. ET

foxsports

DETROIT -- Receiver Calvin Johnson won't play Saturday night in the Detroit Lions' preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field.

Former Lion Nate Burleson also has been scratched by the Browns.

Johnson's absence is believed to be for precautionary reasons more than anything.

Johnson, coming off offseason knee surgery, practiced Friday -- but the Lions want to be careful with him this month and limit his activity at times during training camp and the preseason.

Defensive end Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah and receiver TJ Jones, both of whom are on the Physically Unable to Perform list with shoulder injuries, also won't play for the Lions.

Ansah has been working on the side during camp and appears to be getting close to returning to practice.

As for Burleson, he rehabbed an arm injury during the offseason, but has been practicing and indicated during the week that he would be in the lineup.