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Injury roundup: Calvin Johnson to travel with Lions

The Detroit Lions are heading to London on Monday for their Week 8 overseas battle with the Atlanta Falcons.

Calvin Johnson will make the trip with the team, coach Jim Caldwell said.

Megatron has missed the previous two games with an ankle injury (both Lions victories).

There is a chance he sits out a third straight week. With the team's bye coming up, it would provide additional time for the dynamic wideout to heal and get ready for the stretch run.

But traveling at least means there is a chance Johnson can play Sunday.

Here are some other injuries we are following Monday:

  1. A.J. Green (toe) has made significant progress this week, Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. The team will evaluate the wideout as the week moves forward. Green has missed the Bengals' previous two games, a tie and a loss.

Lewis added that linebacker Vontaze Burfict (cervical strain) is "fine," but did not elaborate.

  1. Washington Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo tore his right pectoral muscle and will be placed on injured reserve, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the situation.

Quarterback Robert Griffin IIIcould return to practice this week, potentially sparking a three-man controversy under center.

  1. Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson said Monday he won't need surgery on his injured groin and hopes to return before the diagnosed four-week timetable. However, the verdict on C.J. Spiller isn't as optimistic; he broke his collarbone and had surgery Monday, per the team's official website, ending his season.
  1. Jacksonville got its first win of the season Sunday, but it came at a price. Linebacker Paul Posluszny is done for the season after tearing his pectoral muscle in the victory over the Browns. The Jaguarsplaced the former Penn State star on injured reserve Monday, with surgery to come later this week, per the Florida Times-Union.

Pass rusher Andre Branch is expected to miss six weeks with a groin injury suffered in the same game.

  1. Tampa Bay enjoyed the return of two key players on the field Monday. Safety Dashon Goldson (ankle) was back at practice after missing the Buccaneers' last two games, while quarterback Josh McCown was also a participant, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
  1. The Atlanta Falcons have placed offensive lineman Peter Konz on injured reserve and have signed Jonathan Scott to replace him, per the team's official website.
  1. For the Carolina Panthers, coach Ron Rivera revealed that guard Trai Turner (knee) will be out this week. However, offensive tackle Byron Bell (elbow) will be reevaluated Wednesday -- the same day running back DeAngelo Williams is expected to return to the practice field, per ESPN.com.
  1. Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman confirmed rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller broke his hand Sunday, but won't need surgery. Fuller returned with a cast before leaving the game with a hip injury.
  1. Coach Bruce Arians said Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington has sore ribs following Sunday's game, but there is no structural damage.
  1. The San Diego Chargers listed a litany of players absent from practice, namely cornerback Brandon Flowers and running back Donald Brown, both of whom had concussions Sunday. First-round cornerback Jason Verrett (shoulder) was limited, while offensive tackle D.J. Fluker (ankle) was a full participant.
  1. Fresh off their Sunday night victory, the Denver Broncos kept cornerback Omar Bolden (concussion) out of practice, but fellow CB Chris Harris (knee) and safety T.J. Ward (knee) participated fully.
  1. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll addressed the status of several players Monday. Max Unger (foot) has a chance to return this week, while Zach Miller (ankle) is still in a walking boot, per KFNQ-AM. Tharold Simon (ankle) and Byron Maxwell (calf) will have a chance to return to practice this week.
  1. Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert sustained a concussion during Monday night's game against the Texans and was ruled out.

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