Bengals WR Johnson strains left shoulder against Lions

Johnson strains shoulder vs. Lions, expected to be ready for opener


Associated Press

CINCINNATI -- Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson strained his left shoulder Sunday night during the Detroit Lions' 27-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, who now have their top two receivers and their starting tailback limited by injuries.
Chad Johnson, WR
Cincinnati Bengals
2007 Statistics:
Receptions: 93
Yards: 1,440
Touchdowns: 8


Johnson landed awkwardly on his left side after cornerback Brian Kelly intercepted a pass thrown his way on Cincinnati's first series. Johnson rolled on the field in pain for several seconds, then went to the locker room for an examination. He did not return.
Coach Marvin Lewis said the shoulder popped out and back into place on the field. Medical tests found no fracture.
"I think he should be ready by the opener," Lewis said. "Some of these things come back right away, and they're ready to go."
The Bengals already were missing Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and running back Rudi Johnson. Both of them have missed the first two preseason games with hamstring injuries.
The Bengals don't have much experience at receiver behind Johnson and Houshmandzadeh. Rookie Marcus Maxwell started Sunday in Houshmandzadeh's spot and caught 3 balls for 37 yards. The Bengals released No. 3 receiver Chris Henry after his latest arrest in the offseason.
Johnson had lobbied for an offseason trade, but the Bengals refused. He abandoned his threat to sit out the season and reported to training camp on time, but wasn't able to participate in practice initially because he was still recovering from surgery to remove bone spurs from his right ankle. He looked close to full speed in practice last week.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press