Calvin Johnson was back at practice on Thursday for the Detroit Lions, albeit in a limited capacity.

Johnson returned to the practice field for the first time this week with a brace on his right knee and took part in position drills, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Limited by a knee injury that kept him out of last week's loss to the Packers, the three-time Pro Bowler missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and was expected to be held out through the entire week. Whether his participation changes his game-time-decision status for Sunday against the Cleveland Browns remains unclear.

Johnson was a last-minute scratch against the Packers last week, the result of a knee injury suffered against the Bears in Week 4. He has a history of battling knee injuries -- he missed the majority of the preseason with a knee contusion -- but this seems to be an unrelated issue.

The Lions suffered their second loss of the season last Sunday in Johnson's absence. Against the Packers, they mustered their lowest point total of the season (9) and dipped 70 yards below their season passing average of 292 yards per game.

Johnson has 21 receptions for 312 yards and four touchdowns this season.

More from SB Nation NFL

• "League of Denial" creators discuss concussion crisis

• NFL Week 6 picks: Good bets on bad teams | Watchability

• Can the Ravens rattle Aaron Rodgers?

• NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs and Colts climbing

• Bois: The Quarterback Internet Hate Index