Lions' Stafford starts, injury sidelines Calvin Johnson
John Niyo / The Detroit News
Detroit -- Matthew Stafford started at quarterback for the Lions as they hosted the St. Louis Rams Sunday at Ford Field.
But top receiver Calvin Johnson missed his second consecutive game because of a right knee injury, despite returning to practice on a limited basis Thursday and Friday.
Two other starters -- fullback Jerome Felton (shoulder) and defensive end Jason Hunter (ankle) -- also missed Sunday's game against the Rams. The other inactives for Jim Schwartz's team: cornerback Anthony Henry, guard Manny Ramirez, tackle Daniel Loper and safety Marvin White. Drew Stanton will be the emergency third quarterback.
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Cliff Avril started in place of Hunter at left defensive end, while Ko Simpson, back from a hamstring injury, replaced Marquand Manuel at strong safety. Terrelle Smith started in place of Felton, and Dennis Northcutt got another start with Johnson out.
And there's no denying that makes a difference for the Lions' offense.
"You start with a guy like Calvin -- he obviously changes the game," Schwartz said. "He changes not only our offense, but he changes the way defenses play; so I think that's obviously a big factor."
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