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Kerryon Johnson’s promising rookie season has officially come to an end.
The Detroit Lions placed the former Auburn running back on injured reserve Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move comes after the Lions were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday.
Lions placing RB Kerryon Johnson on IR today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2018
Johnson has missed the Lions’ last four games with a knee injury, and it appears the team wants to be cautious with its productive second-round draft pick. He appeared in 10 games this season, compiling 641 yards and three touchdowns on 118 carries.
Johnson’s 5.4 yards per carry are tied for second-most in the league with fellow rookie running back Phillip Lindsay, just a tenth of a yard behind Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers.
The former Tigers star also contributed in Detroit’s passing game, catching 32 balls for 213 yards and a score. Against New England in September, Johnson became the first Lions player to rush for 100 yards in a single game since 2013, which bodes well for his NFL future despite his rookie season ending early.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
