Buono: Ankle injury makes Lions running back Johnson ‘doubtful’ for next game
SURREY, B.C. — An ankle injury to running back Jeremiah Johnson has created an opportunity for some B.C. Lions to step up, and coach Wally Buono says he wants his players further down the depth chart to be ready to impress.
Johnson went down in the first quarter of the Lions 20-17 come-from-behind victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday.
The 31-year-old, who has rushed for 222 yards and scored two touchdowns so far this season, is getting rehab and is “very doubtful” for Friday’s match against the Redblacks in Ottawa, Buono said. He added that the coaching staff will have high expectations of whoever ends up being tasked with filling in for Johnson this week.
“We’ve talked to all the players about when you get tapped on the shoulder, we expect big things for you,” he said. “That’s why they’re here and they have to understand their role.”