Thursday 23 October 2014 21:04, UK
Detroit running back Reggie Bush looks increasingly doubtful for Sunday’s NFL clash against the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium.
The former New Orleans and Miami powerhouse was a notable absentee from Thursday’s practice session as he struggles to recover from an ankle injury.
Bush, who missed the majority of the second half of last weekend’s win over the Saints, had earlier insisted that he would “do everything to be out there on Sunday”.
His status for the second of three Wembley games this season remains uncertain, but the Lions had more encouraging news on Calvin Johnson.
The star wide receiver was limited in Wednesday’s practice as he continues to have treatment for the high ankle sprain he suffered in the week five defeat to Buffalo.
But Johnson played a more active role in Thursday’s training session and was reported to be “cutting and running” routes, although he refused to be drawn on whether he would suit up on Sunday.
"It gets better and better. Like, right now it's getting better on a daily basis," Johnson said. "We haven't pushed it too much. We don't want to push it to that point where we get a setback.
"I want to push it, but we're trying to be smart about it."
However, the Lions could have a huge problem at tight end after Joseph Fauria, Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew all sat out Thursday’s practice.
Fauria is battling an ankle injury, while Ebron has a hamstring problem and Pettigrew’s absence was not explained by the Lions coaching staff.
But defensive end Diggy Ansah returned to training on Thursday after missing out the previous day to have treatment on a shoulder problem.
Watch Detroit take on the Falcons at Wembley Stadium - live coverage starts Sunday at 12.30pm on Sky Sports 2.
