ALLEN PARK -- Participation in Lions practice today (Thursday) was improved with five players who sat out Wednesday back in action.

That included starters WR Calvin Johnson (knee), MLB DeAndre Levy (ankle), TE Tony Scheffler (shoulder) and DT Corey Williams (shoulder/groin), along with LB Bobby Carpenter (toe).

RB Jahvid Best (toe) was still out, but it’s not uncommon for him to miss practice during the week and play on Sunday.

DE Cliff Avril (quadriceps) remained out. Avril did not play on Sunday at Buffalo.

Also out were: QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and RB Kevin Smith (who will have surgery on his thumb today).

Kicker Jason Hanson, who has an injured right knee, was going through the kicking motion, but did not actually kick the ball. It will be determined later in the week if he’ll be ready to play on Sunday at the Dallas Cowboys.

Dave Rayner kicked for the Lions last Sunday and will go this Sunday if Hanson is not able.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)