Stevie

Johnson

Johnson’s condition appears to be worsening after last week’s eight catches for 96 yards with a touchdown. “Last week, I didn’t feel it when I walked, only when I got out on the field, but now it [the pain] is just there,” he said. Even though Johnson said he doesn’t expect to miss any games, it’s another plus for hot waiver add David Nelson.

Johnson’s practice reps may be scaled back, but he has no plans to sit out games. The contract-year receiver has plenty of motivation, particularly with the Bills in discussions with Johnson’s agent about a long-term extension. Johnson exhibited incredible toughness in Week 2, racking up eight catches for 96 yards and his second TD of the season, all while clearly hobbled.

Johnson didn’t appear to be hampered by the groin injury that has been nagging him of late. He tied for the team lead with 10 targets, highlighted by an 11-yard fade for a touchdown. Remarkably consisted early on, Johnson has a touchdown in all three games this season. He’s a borderline WR1 next week at Cincinnati.

Stevie is now on the Calvin Johnson practice routine, missing Wednesdays to rest up for the rest of the week. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s go-to receiver has scored in all three games this season.

He will start against the Bengals. Through three weeks, Johnson ranks eighth in the NFL in pass targets and is the No. 8-ranked fantasy receiver overall.

The 29 yards were a season low for Buffalo’s No. 1 receiver, though he has now managed to haul in at least four catches in each of Buffalo’s first five games. He should find things easier going against the Giants’ middling secondary in Week 6 than he did against Nnamdi Asomugha and company this afternoon.

By most accounts, Johnson’s contract demands are within reason and under $9 million annually. “We had a very productive meeting,” said Johnson’s agent, C.J. LaBoy. “I’m very optimistic. I’m looking forward to continue talking.”

The Seahawks signed Sidney Rice for a hair over $8 million annually last year, but beat writer Mark Gaughan suggests the Bills “obviously ... have not been willing to get there so far.” Coach Chan Gailey said Friday that he does not expect today’s meeting with agent C.J. LaBoy to produce a “breakthrough” in talks.

He has three months before the start of training camp, which should be plenty of time. Johnson’s agent characterized the operation as “extremely minor,” and assured that his client would “be at [the Bills’] facility for all activities.” Johnson played through the injury all last year. He still caught 76 passes for 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns, setting a career high with a 13.2 yards-per-reception average and finishing as the No. 21 fantasy receiver.

A Buffalo News report late last week was more optimistic, stating that the sides had at least “exchanged proposals” about a new deal. The reality may be more gloomy, but discussions will be ongoing during next week’s Combine. Per the AP, Johnson does not anticipate receiving the Bills’ franchise tag. If no tag is used and no headway is made in contract negotiations, Johnson could make it to the free agent market on March 13.