The Lions cut cornerback Tony Beckham today to make room on the active roster for receiver Brandon Middleton, a good sign that rookie Calvin Johnson will not play tomorrow against the Bears.

A Lions player told me Friday to expect exactly that move. He said Johnson was unable to run in practice and probably would miss his first NFL game. Officially, Johnson still is listed as questionable, but 23 hours before kick I would be surprised if he suits up.

In reality, that shouldn't affect the Lions' gameplan much. The Bears will likely be without both starting cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher because of injuries, and already safety Mike Brown is on IR and gone for the year. Expect Mike Martz to still try and spread the field with four receivers and try to attack Chicago's beat up secondary. Mike Furrey will slide back outside opposite Roy Williams, and veteran Troy Walters will join Shaun McDonald in the slot.