National Football League

Odds Megatron will play Sunday? It's 50-50

Published Oct. 17, 2014 4:24 p.m. ET

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Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson has been upgraded this week to questionable on the official injury report for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field.

Johnson was considered doubtful a week ago at this time because of a lingering ankle injury and then missed last Sunday's game at Minnesota.

He hasn't practiced in two weeks.

"Miracles have happened," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said when asked if he expects Johnson to play.

A player listed as questionable is considered to have about a 50-50 chance of playing. Doubtful means about a 25-percent chance.

The Lions, meanwhile, are expected to be without rookie tight end Eric Ebron, who's listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. Ebron didn't practice either Thursday or Friday.

With Joseph Fauria still out with an ankle injury, the Lions are down to one healthy tight end, Brandon Pettigrew, on their current 53-man roster.

Pettigrew has been used mostly as a blocker this year and has only five catches in six games.

"He would relish the opportunity to show what he can do in that area (as a pass catcher) as well," Caldwell said. "He's a guy that's big and has some speed. He's a hard worker and has been performing extremely well for us, so that would just add a little bit more to his plate."

The Lions are expected to have running back Reggie Bush back from an ankle injury to face his former team. Bush, who missed last Sunday's game, played the first five years of his career (2006-10) with the Saints.

Defensive end Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah (toe) and receiver/return specialist Jeremy Ross (ankle) also are listed as probable for the Lions, but running back Theo Riddick (hamstring) is doubtful.

For the Saints, standout tight end Jimmy Graham (shoulder) is listed as questionable and has labeled himself as a "game-time decision," while running back Mark Ingram is expected to return after missing the last three games with a broken hand.