Calvin Johnson's Knee Injury | NFL Fantasy Football Rankings

Coming into this season, it was hard to find a reason why Calvin Johnson was not an elite receiver. Johnson's 2008 season was terrific on a horrible team, usually the sign of a great player. Few can rise above the problems Johnson did and he is, no doubt, a top five fantasy wide out.

The 2009 Season

In his first four games of the year, Johnson was not lighting up the fantasy scoreboards, but he was not playing bad, either. In his first four games Johnson totaled 323 yards receiving and one touchdown.

Week 5, against the Steelers , Johnson injured his knee early in the game and didn't return.

The following week Johnson missed practice and had to sit out against the Green Bay Packers because of the injury. Many fantasy football owners were hoping that Johnson would recover over the team's Week 7 bye, needing their stud to win games.

Unfortunately, it is being reported that during Friday's practice, Johnson was still seen limping badly on the knee. Beyond his continued limp, Johnson was still unable to participate in practice.

With this news now out, it is unlikely that Johnson will play next week against the St. Louis Rams .

Damage Control

At this time, I recommend that fantasy owners continue to find other options on the waiver wire to fill the void left by Johnson. Knee injuries can be tricky and the fact that he has is still having issues is not a good sign.

We will know more about this problem as next week moves along. But for now you should plan to be without Johnson for at least next week.

Look for the Lions to be cautious with their prized receiver and not rush him back into action right away.

This is not what fantasy football owners with Johnson will want to hear, but in the end it's the most likely scenario that will play out.

NFL Fantasy Football Information writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com