Injury update: Kerryon Johnson leaves game with knee injury

The Detroit Lions have been leaning on rookie Kerryon Johnson this season, and he has excelled as a versatile three-down running back. Johnson had been the most effective weapon for the Lions, but his day is finished after suffering a knee injury against the Carolina Panthers.

The rookie was performing excellently, managing 87 rushing yards on 15 carries and a touchdown, while adding two catches for 10 yards. Johnson has firmly displaced LeGarrette Blount as lead back. However, in the third quarter, Johnson was tackled awkwardly, landing on his left knee. He managed to walk off under his own power, but after a visit to the trainer’s table, he went to the locker room.

Johnson came into the 2018 NFL Draft with some durability issues. Throughout high school and college, Johnson has suffered shoulder, knee, hand, chest, and ankle injuries. He was hurt earlier this season as well, nursing an ankle injury suffered against the Green Bay Packers.

We will see how significant this injury is in the coming days, but either way, losing their dynamic rookie is a huge detriment to this offense.