Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the former Georgia Tech standout, didn’t take part in the open portion of practice, was listed as being limited in practice on the team’s official injury report on Wednesday.
“He’s a big, strong and fast player who creates matchup issues,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “You have to know where he is and know where he’s aligned when he’s playing. You have to put some resources in trying to take him out of the game. You’re never going to totally take him out of the game, but you’re going to have to put more resources because if you don’t, he’s going to make his plays.”
Johnson last practiced Oct. 3. He suffered a high ankle sprain two days before in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Lions have won their past two games against the Vikings and Saints with Johnson out with injury.
Golden Tate, who played with Seattle last season, has been productive in Johnson’s absence.
“He’s a very tough receiver,” Smith said. “He plays with a lot of physicality. He does a very nice job… . If Calvin doesn’t play, our focus will have definitely have to go to Golden Tate.”
