Kerryon Johnson has hit a career crossroads. The Eagles became the second team to waive the former second-round pick, doing so with an injury designation on Tuesday, per ESPN.com’s Field Yates (via Twitter).
The veteran running back suffered a knee injury in practice, Tim McManus of ESPN.com tweets. This sidetracked a possible role behind Miles Sanders. If Johnson clears waivers, he will revert to Philadelphia’s IR list. That taking place usually precedes an injury settlement, which would send the ex-Lions Round 2 draft choice to free agency.
The Eagles stopped Johnson from hitting free agency in early May, beating the Dolphins to the punch with a waiver claim. Johnson then agreed to a pay cut. While the Dolphins could still loom, with their running back room not oozing depth, the severity of Johnson’s knee malady will determine how soon another team gives him a shot.
One of several Lions second-round running back picks in the 2010s, Johnson flashed as a rookie by averaging 5.4 yards per carry and totaling 854 from scrimmage in 10 games. The first of his knee injuries stalled that momentum. Nothing the Auburn product has shown since has lived up to that rookie-year performance, leading the Lions to draft D’Andre Swift in last year’s second round and sign Jamaal Williams this year. Boston Scott remains Sanders’ top backup in Philly, with the team also rostering Jordan Howard and drafting Kenneth Gainwell in the fifth round.
In moving their roster down to the 85-man limit by the Tuesday deadline, the Eagles also waived tackle Casey Tucker and cut center Luke Juriga with an injury designation.
KEEP CALM & KERRYON!
You and nentwigs are either gonna box it out or get engaged. Either way, let me know the date.
I appreciate that your interested in hosting either of those events.
Sure, I’ll cater too.
That sucks. The Eagles have a few backup level talents of what look to be similar ability though behind Sanders, so the uncertainty of Johnson’s health would make him more expendable. The Eagles were really looking for a standout back to serve as a 1a alongside Sanders, it seems, so Johnson adding to their already proven backups would seem redundant.
Hopefully his knee isn’t too bad, because I could very well see Miami and a few other teams that have unproven backups taking a look at Johnson.
Kerryon my wayward son…..
Pick him Up Miami low risk high reward
Not sure about that reward. He was cut from the Lions. I personally think he has already flamed out.
Matt Stafford may be whispering in McVeys ear.