Calvin Johnson will probably stop talking about injuries soon.
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He said he played through a concussion against the Minnesota Vikings in September. The Detroit Lions denied it. Thursday, Johnson said he suffered nerve damage stemming from the concussion. The Lions are denying that, too.
Both the Lions and Johnson issued statements Friday in an attempt to clarify the situation.
The Lions statement:
"In response to the various reports yesterday regarding Calvin Johnson and injuries, we reiterate that Calvin did not suffer a concussion at any time this season.
"With respect to the Minnesota game on September 30, Calvin sustained a hit that resulted in him being removed from the game and evaluated pursuant to the appropriate concussion protocol by our team doctors.
"He also was subsequently examined the following day and was found to have no concussion.
"Additionally, Calvin did not suffer any nerve damage.
"He sustained what is referred to as a 'stinger' in September 30 game and was able to finish the game."
Johnson's statement:
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"I would like to clarify some of my comments from yesterday. I am aware that I did not suffer a concussion in our game against the Vikings earlier this year. I misused the terms 'nerve damage' and concussion.
"I have not suffered any nerve damage nor have I received any treatment for nerve damage. I did suffer a stinger in the game against Minnesota and also have experienced the kind of wear and tear that most NFL players are dealing with at this point in the season."
Shockingly, Megatron declined comment during the Friday locker room session, MLive.com reported.
This whole thing is odd. Did Johnson, who's a pretty intelligent guy, just not know his own injuries? Did the Lions fail to adhere to concussion protocol? The Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett reported that NFL investigated the topic and the Lions will not be fined for leaving Johnson off the injury list. Were the statements a reaction to the league's inquiry? Was Johnson forced to write the letter at gunpoint?
Megatron returned to practice Friday after a sore knee kept him from practicing all last week. We're betting Johnson he's done talking about injuries for the rest of the year.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
