The Detroit Lions are expected to place rookie running back Kerryon Johnson on injured reserve, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday.
Johnson sustained a knee injury during the second half of a 20-19 win versus the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 18. He was injured on a run in which he cut to the left side of the field before being tackled near the sideline for a 3-yard gain.
The 21-year-old, who missed the next four games, is expected to make a full recovery this offseason.
Johnson has recorded 118 carries for a team-leading 641 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games since being selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The 5-foot-11, 206-pound Johnson also has 32 receptions for 213 yards and one score.
A second-round pick, Johnson highlighted his rookie season by rushing for 101 yards on 16 carries in the Lions’ 26-10 win over the New England Patriots on Sept. 23. The triple-digit performance was the team’s first since Reggie Bush accomplished the feat on Thanksgiving Day in 2013, ending a 70-game drought.
Detroit sent the 51st overall pick and a fourth-round selection (No. 117) to the Patriots in exchange for the rights to snare Johnson, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year last season.
Johnson rushed for 1,391 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2017 for Auburn, including 11 scores in a three-game span.
