Linebacker Derrick Johnson has been the heart and soul of the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense for the better part of the past dozen years. One of the best cover guys at his position in the NFL, Johnson has continued to make his presence known, even at his advanced age.
Unfortunately, Johnson has also found himself slowed down by lower-body injuries in the past. Johnson missed all but one game of the 2014 season after suffering a torn Achilles in the season opener. He returned strong last year, recording 116 tackles en route to earning his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl.
It looks like injuries have come back to haunt Johnson big time. The veteran exited Thursday’s game against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter with another Achilles injury.
LB Derrick Johnson has been ruled out with an Achilles injury. DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches is questionable with back spasms.#OAKvsKC pic.twitter.com/hqycLThenS
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 9, 2016
Should it be a long-term injury, the Chiefs’ defense will definitely be impacted moving forward this season. In fact, Oakland went on to score a touchdown immediately after Johnson exited the game. This was after Kansas City forced five punts earlier in the first half.