The day before their season opener, the Seahawks have lost a key defensive back. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the team will place cornerback Dontae Johnson on the injured reserve. The team will promote cornerback Akeem King from the practice squad to take the open roster spot.
Johnson was added to the injury report earlier this week. The injury was initially described as a hip issue, but coach Pete Carroll later described it as a groin strain. The organization wasn’t treating the injury like it was all that serious, although the cornerback was considered doubtful for tomorrow’s game in Denver.
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the 49ers, Johnson joined the Seahawks this offseason. The 26-year-old started all 16 games last season, finishing with career-highs in tackles (77) and passes defended (seven). Pro Football Focus wasn’t all that fond of his performance, ranking him 118th among 121 eligible cornerbacks.
Johnson was expected to start at cornerback alongside Shaquill Griffin and Justin Coleman. The team will likely turn to either veteran Neiko Thorpe or rookie Tre Flowers to fill in, although King could end up getting a look. The 2015 seventh-round joined the Seahawks organization last season, and he caught on with the team’s practice squad following this year’s preseason.