MINNEAPOLIS -- With Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush both inactive Sunday against Minnesota, the Detroit Lions have a bunch of options to replace two of their top offensive stars.
To replace Bush, Joique Bell will receive a good portion of the carries and snaps in the backfield. Theo Riddick, who is more of the true backup to Bush as George Winn is the backup to Bell, will likely also see some work -- especially in pure passing situations.
Replacing Johnson will be a much tougher task.
The Lions will likely run more than they have all season -- they are 53-47 pass-run when Johnson isn't in the game -- so both Bell and Riddick should play a factor there.
Corey Fuller, the speedster from Virginia Tech, will start in place of Johnson and will likely be the deep threat as long as Golden Tate continues to do damage on underneath routes. In third-down and matchup situations, tight end Eric Ebron stands a good chance of lining up wide as well.
Jeremy Ross could see an increased role as well. The No. 3 receiver can play inside and outside so he could be a versatile option. When Tate and Ross are outside, that would be when Ryan Broyles would come in to play a slot role.
None of those options, other than Tate, are proven contributors.
Fuller has four career catches for 79 yards. Ross and Ebron have eight catches each this season and Broyles have one catch.
