The final practice of the year for the Detroit Lions didn't include Megatron.
Wide receiver Calvin Johnsonmissed Friday's session and is questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced.
Megatron sat out the entire week with the knee and ankle injuries that limited his availability against the New York Giants in Week 16. Coach Jim Schwartz told reporters Friday that the Lions will make "a group decision" about Johnson's availability prior to kickoff.
We wouldn't be surprised to see Detroit sit their All-Pro wide receiver in what shapes up as a meaningless last stand for this disappointing Lions squad.
Here's the rest of Friday's injury news:
- Tony Romo's status for Sunday night is no longer a mystery. Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett announced Friday that Romo underwent back surgery and will be placed on injured reserve. That means Kyle Orton will start against the Eagles in a game that will decide the NFC East.
- The Broncos will go another week without Wes Welker. Despite returning to practice on a limited basis, the receiver has been ruled out of Denver's Week 17 finale against the Oakland Raiders. It marks the third consecutive missed start for Welker, who suffered a concussion in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans.
- The Minnesota Vikings have listed star running back Adrian Peterson as doubtful for Sunday's finale against the Lions. Peterson continues to deal with groin and foot issues that have slowed his production. With Toby Gerhartout with a hamstring injury, look for a heavy dose of Matt Asiata out of the backfield.
- With Bills quarterback EJ Manuel listed as doubtful with a PCL sprain, Buffalo coach Doug Marroneannounced that Thad Lewis will make his second straight start in Sunday's meeting with the New England Patriots. Also for the Bills, receiver Steve Johnson is out because of a death in the family while safety Aaron Williams is a scratch because of a rib injury.
- Patriots receiver Josh Boyce will miss Week 17 with an ankle injury. Safety Devin McCourty is doubtful with a concussion, while cornerbacks Kyle Arrington (groin) and Alfonzo Dennard (knee, shoulder) are questionable. New England also listed Shane Vereen (groin), defensive end Rob Ninkovich (ankle), offensive tackle Nate Solder (concussion) and linebacker Brandon Spikes (knee) as questionable for the Buffalo tilt.
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- Panthers wideout Steve Smith will miss Carolina's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons with the knee injury he suffered in last Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Cam Newton (ankle) is probable and we fully expect him to play.
- Packers pass rusher Clay Matthews is out against the Bears after undergoing surgery on his fractured thumb. Chicago, meanwhile, is relatively healthy outside of receiver Earl Bennett being listed as questionable with a family issue.
- A nagging ankle injury has Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas listed as questionable for Sunday's critical game against the New York Jets.
- The Ravens have a flood of questionable players including pass rusher Elvis Dumervil (ankle), offensive lineman Gino Gradkowski (knee), running back Ray Rice (thigh) and wide receiver Torrey Smith (thigh). Also for Baltimore, cornerback Asa Jackson (thigh) is doubtful.
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It all comes down to a final week packed with now-or-never matchups. Elliot Harrison makes his Week 17 picks. **READ**
- For the Bengals, tight end Tyler Eifert (neck) is doubtful and linebacker Vontaze Burfict (concussion) and tight end Jermaine Gresham (hamstring) are questionable.
- Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin was limited in practice and has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks with an ankle issue.
- Giants receiver Victor Cruz is out with a knee injury while fellow pass-catcher Rueben Randle has knee problems of his own. He's questionable for New York's game against the Washington Redskins.
- Colts defensive end Cory Redding (shoulder) is doubtful and safety Antoine Bethea (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's AFC South meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- The Cardinals listed ageless pass rusher John Abraham as questionable against the 49ers with a groin injury. Guard Daryn Colledge (back) also is questionable for Sunday's NFC West showdown.
- Browns nose tackle Phil Taylor (concussion) has been ruled out against the Steelers. Also for Cleveland, tight end Jordan Cameron (concussion) and cornerback Joe Haden (hip) are questionable.
- In the same game, Pittsburgh linebacker Jason Worilds (abdomen) and pass-catcher Emmanuel Sanders (knee) are questionable.
- Mario Manningham's comeback campaign is over in San Francisco. The 49ers on Friday announced that the veteran wide receiver has been placed on injured reserve with a setback to his surgically repaired left knee.
- Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced that receiver Dwayne Bowe will miss Sunday's finale against the San Diego Chargers with concussion symptoms. Meanwhile, pass rusher Tamba Hali (knee) is a scratch.
- Chargers receiver Eddie Royal didn't practice Friday and is questionable for the Kansas City game with a toe injury.
- The Detroit Lions announced Friday that Israel Idonije was placed on injured reserve. The veteran defensive end played in all 15 games for the Lions this season, but didn't start in any.
- One more out of Dallas, where pass rusher DeMarcus Ware is questionable with back and elbow issues.
We break down all the Week 17 games on the latest "Around The League Podcast."
