The Detroit Lions have an elite-level go-to receiver. The Kansas City Chiefs hope they drafted one. But the Lions’ Calvin Johnson will be questionable heading into Sunday’s contest with an ankle injury, while the Chiefs first round choice, Jonathan Baldwin, will be out another game with a broken thumb. As the two teams play each other, both offenses will be a bit more limited, especially depending on the severity of Johnson’s injury.
The good news for Detroit is that the offense has other weapons, as does the Chiefs roster. Baldwin is the only game-time injury for the Chiefs other than the massive casualties of Eric Berry and Tony Moeaki who were lost for the season already on Injured Reserve.
The Lions will also be without first round choice Nick Fairley and cornerback Alphonso Smith for the game. Safety Louis Delmas is listed as questionable as is wide receiver Maurice Stovall. Fairley has yet to play, so neither team has seen any return on their first round investment thus far.
The Lions look to move to 2-0 with a win on Sunday while the Chiefs are hoping to rebound to 1-1 after last week’s embarrassing home opening loss to the Buffalo Bills.