Johnson may be able to return towards the end of the season
Wednesday 23 October 2019 12:04, UK
The Detroit Lions placed running back Kerryon Johnson on injured reserve after he had a procedure on his right knee on Tuesday morning.
According to head coach Matt Patricia, the team hopes Johnson can return later in the season.
He must miss at least eight weeks, meaning the earliest he could return would be Week 16 at Denver on December 22.
"I feel really bad for Kerryon that he's in this situation," Patricia said. "But very optimistic going forward."
Johnson was hurt Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, with reports Monday indicating he would miss significant time.
It is the second straight year in which the 2018 second-round pick has landed on IR with a knee issue, after he missed the final six games last season with a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Johnson, 22, had 92 carries for 308 yards and two touchdowns through six games, plus nine receptions for 126 yards and a score.
As a rookie last season, he totaled 854 total yards and four touchdowns in 10 games.
