With the news that rookie running back Kerryon Johnson is week to week with a knee sprain, how will the Detroit Lions offense operate without him?
Last season, the Detroit Lions offense was missing an important element. As fans have discovered this year, that missing piece was running back Kerryon Johnson. The 2018 second round running back out of Auburn has made himself into a vital piece of the Motor City offense. So much so, how will they now operate without him?
Johnson suffered a scary knee injury in the Lions win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. According to Pro Football Talk, the young running back is considered week-to-week due to a knee strain.
Prior to the injury, the rookie was on pace to break the 100-yard rushing mark for the third time this season. Johnson had racked up 87 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, averaging 5.0 yards a pop.
Despite not even starting the first three games of the season, Johnson is well on his way to breaking the 1,000-yard rushing mark in his first year in Detroit. He’s posted 641 yards and three scores averaging a whopping 5.2 yards per carry through 10 games. Johnson has also recorded 32 catches for 213 yards and a score as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Unfortunately, this recent injury is not a surprising development for Johnson. The 21-year old has an extensive injury history that goes all the way back to high school. That’s due in large part to his physical running style.
Without Kerryon Johnson in the lineup, the Detroit Lions showed how they are likely going to fill his void during the second half against the Panthers on Sunday. Expect to see a lot more of veteran running backs LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick, with the latter specifically getting more snaps as a pure runner. We should also see more of reserve running back Zach Zenner, who was recently re-signed after he was released during final cuts prior to the start of the season.