Lonnie Johnson Jr., a 29-year-old safety with the Las Vegas Raiders, suffered a broken fibula in practice on Saturday. The incident that led to the injury took place outside Allegiant Stadium. The injury happened as he ran into defensive end Maxx Crosby on a play trying to bring down running back Raheem Mostert. Following the accident, medical professionals swiftly wheeled Johnson off the field. This has landed him an MRI that will determine if there is any other existing damage.
Johnson signed a one-year offseason deal with the Raiders. He would have been able to push for a backup spot and provide depth experience to the middle of the team’s secondary. The Raiders added Johnson and fellow safety Jeremy Chinn to bolster their defensive lineup after the departures of Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps. As Johnson returned to practice and training camp progressed, whenever the defense has had three safeties on the field, Johnson has gotten first-team reps.
Notable Work
In the decade plus of his professional career, Johnson has displayed what he can do with five different teams. He was the second round pick of the Houston Texans in 2019. He’s played in 83 games with 31 starts, racking up 199 tackles, four interceptions and 15 passes defended. His skillset and playmaking ability have made him an impressive addition to the Raiders’ defense’s arsenal.
Johnson took a major blow as well with his crash with Crosby. To reach his collective goals with the team, he was particularly enthusiastic about obtaining a bigger role on the team’s defensive scheme. During training camp, he consistently lined up next to Isaiah Pola-Mao, manning customary safety spots. At the same time, Chinn solidified himself in that nickel position.
Johnson’s upcoming MRI result will be critical in deciding how long he’s out and if/when Johnson can return to play. The Raiders will be watching his status very closely as they bundle up for training camp and the 2022 regular season.
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