ALLEN PARK — Chris Houston was missing from practice today (Thursday). The Detroit Lions cornerback went through a full practice on Wednesday. It’s unknown what his situation is at this point.

 Houston missed the first two games of the regular season with an ankle injury sustained in the preseason. He’s been the strength of the secondary since his return.

 If coach Jim Schwartz does not address the Houston situation with the media early this afternoon, we’ll wait until 4 p.m. injury report.

 Calvin Johnson (knee) did not participate Thursday again. Last week he didn’t practice at all and still played on Sunday.

 The other five who were absent from practice Thursday also missed Wednesday’s practice. They are: Titus Young (knee), Louis Delmas (knee), Corey Williams (knee), Cliff Avril (back) and Amari Spievey (concussion).

  The Lions (4-4) are preparing to play at Minnesota (5-4) on Sunday. The Vikings won the first meeting on Sept. 30 20-13 when the Lions allowed a kickoff return and a punt return for a touchdown.

 (Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her new book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)