DE Jones, C Swanson miss Lions practice

Allen Park — Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, but the Lions were still missing two other starters.

Defensive end Jason Jones (neck) and center Travis Swanson (shoulder) both sat for the second straight day, which puts their status for Sunday's game against the Bears (1 p.m., FOX) in jeopardy.

Swanson has missed just one game this year, sitting Week 13 due to an ankle injury. If he can't play, Manny Ramirez would start at center, and Braxston Cave would likely be the backup after his promotion from the practice squad Wednesday.

Jones has started every game this year, but if he's out, Devin Taylor, Darryl Tapp and Brandon Copeland would surely see increased roles on the edge.

Johnson has played through his ankle injury the past seven games, and he expects to play Sunday.

Johnson was limited in his return, but that follows a similar practice pattern to the past two months when he's played through his ankle injury.

Running back Ameer Abdullah (shoulder), safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (shoulder), linebacker Josh Bynes (thumb), cornerback Nevin Lawson (shoulder), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (foot) and right tackle Michael Ola (knee) were limited for the second straight day.

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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