Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson expected back for Sunday's game against Miami

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Calvin Johnson is expected to return this week as the Detroit Lions enter a critical stretch of the season.

Johnson said Wednesday he is back to his normal practice routine and will play Sunday when Detroit (6-2) hosts the Miami Dolphins (5-3) at Ford Field.

The star wide receiver has missed the past three games with an ankle injury. Detroit went 3-0 in his absence and holds a one-game lead over Green Bay (5-3) in the NFC North as it prepares for three straight games against teams with winning records.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL