Wide Receiver

Calvin Johnson might not be able to practice as much as before, because of a bum left knee, but that doesn't mean the Detroit Lions will count on him any less. "Calvin at any percent . . . is a bonus for me or anybody else," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. The All-Pro receiver caught seven passes for 129 yards last week as Detroit downed Jacksonville, 31-14, after he got a painkilling shot in his knee. "It's coming along. Definitely feels better than it was at this point last week," Johnson said.

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Joe Staley claims he caught quarterback and seatmate Alex Smith checking out his trending Twitter self while on the team plane awaiting takeoff Monday night from Arizona. Ha, says Smith, who insists he has no idea how to tweet. "I don't even have a Twitter," Smith quipped with a grin Tuesday during a quick walk through the empty locker room. "I don't know what Twitter is. " They can argue that one all they want, yet nobody will deny that Smith and the 49ers (6-2)

Mike Thomas can play anywhere for the Burlington Township football team. That's one reason the senior has found himself in the oddest place in recent games: on the sideline. Thomas has been getting some much-needed rest when the Falcons don't have the ball. He is a top defensive player - he was talented enough to start at safety as a freshman - but coach Tom Maderia wants to save the wear and tear on the team's most explosive and versatile offensive player. "We're trying to keep him fresh for the stretch run," Maderia said.

Mike Thomas can play anywhere for the Burlington Township football team. That's one reason the senior has found himself in the oddest place in recent games: on the sideline. Thomas has been getting some much-needed rest when the Falcons don't have the ball. He is a top defensive player - he was talented enough to start at safety as a freshman - but coach Tom Maderia wants to save the wear and tear on the team's most explosive and versatile offensive player. "We're trying to keep him fresh for the stretch run," Maderia said.

THIS IS a big week for Felix Jones, no matter what he says. The Cowboys running back has become a Matt Stairs-like pinch-hitter, but is getting a chance to be the primary back Sunday at Carolina while DeMarco Murray hangs back on the Cowboys ranch. "We feel really good about Felix Jones," coach Jason Garrett said. "[He's] been a really good football player for us for the last 4 years. " When Murray went out with a sprained left foot against the Ravens, Jones came off the bench and ran for 92 yards, including a 22-yard score.

Our top-10 football tour continues with a review of the area's best multipurpose playmakers. The list is based on a player's overall impact on a team, including contributions on offense and defense and as a special-teams performer. Many in this group have added value because of their kick-returning abilities. Note that some two-way standouts, including Episcopal Academy senior Adam Strouss and St. Joseph's Prep sophomore John Reid, will not be listed here. They will be listed at the position in which they excel the most or are projected to play in college.

Our top-10 football tour continues with a review of the area's best multipurpose playmakers. The list is based on a player's overall impact on a team, including contributions on offense and defense and as a special-teams performer. Many in this group have added value because of their kick-returning abilities. Note that some two-way standouts, including Episcopal Academy senior Adam Strouss and St. Joseph's Prep sophomore John Reid, will not be listed here. They will be listed at the position in which they excel the most or are projected to play in college.

We continue with our top-10 football rankings, this week giving the area's good-hands people their due. Our subjective list of the best wide receivers is based on route-running ability, knack for making the big catch, toughness in traffic, and skill at running for yardage after the reception. Please note that pass-catchers who are multipurpose standouts, including La Salle's Sean Coleman, Neshaminy's Justin Andrews, and Cardinal O'Hara's Thaddius Smith, are not listed here. 1. William Fuller, Roman Catholic, senior, 6-foot, 165 pounds.

One day, instead of "Rodeo," his current nickname, he might answer to "Chef. " Renz Compton, a two-way standout for Frankford High's football team, is studying culinary arts and hopes it might eventually become his profession. Could he whip up, say, an awesome crème brûlée? "I can make anything," the 18-year-old said. "You give me the ingredients and I can make it. " At Frankford, Compton is learning the ins and outs of the trade under the watchful eye of longtime teacher Wilma Stephenson, who each year helps future chefs land scholarship money to culinary arts schools across the country.

One day, instead of "Rodeo," his current nickname, he might answer to "Chef. " Renz Compton, a two-way standout for Frankford High's football team, is studying culinary arts and hopes it might eventually become his profession. Could he whip up, say, an awesome crème brûlée? "I can make anything," the 18-year-old said. "You give me the ingredients and I can make it. " At Frankford, Compton is learning the ins and outs of the trade under the watchful eye of longtime teacher Wilma Stephenson, who each year helps future chefs land scholarship money to culinary arts schools across the country.