L.J. Season Likely Over. Again
Roughly six weeks ago, Larry Johnson left Kansas City's game with what was originally reported as an ankle injury. The following week, reports leaked out that he had suffered a crack in his foot. Just over one month ago, Rotoworld reported that the Chiefs expected to shut Larry Johnson down for the season.
That didn't happen, Johnson continued to rehab, tepidly practicing on a very limited basis over the last few weeks. He never made it to a Friday practice.
Johnson appeared to suffer another setback on Wednesday, likely ending his season. A lot of people have criticized the Chiefs for pushing L.J. to return, but it appears that it was the other way around. It looks like Johnson wanted to make every effort to return this season, fulfilling a promise to teammates, but his body wouldn't let him. Just like our sources close to Johnson and with the team thought all along. One can only hope that L.J. didn't set his recovery time back by trying to practice this week.
So how do we evaluate Johnson for next season? I got a lot of angry emails for ranking Johnson fourth all summer (eventually fifth), but I'm sure he won't be ranked that high next year.
On one hand, Johnson will be a season away from the career-stalling 414 carry season. Perhaps his body will be fresher after carrying the ball only 158 times this season. On the other hand, Johnson is going to be coming off a foot injury and playing for an offense led by Brodie Croyle. Johnson is a great runner, but he can't overcome a terrible offensive line on his own. That was shown this season.
In the end, I don't expect L.J. to reach the heights of 2005-2006 again in his career. The Chiefs are a different team, and he's a different player. My gut says that everything will have to go perfectly this offseason for Johnson to get consideration as a first-round fantasy pick. Otherwise, he's just another second or third-round running back with more questions than answers.
Comments
I think with the combination of his body getting rest from this season, a full training camp next season & hopefully the development of young skill players on KC ( Croyle & Bowe), LJ will be a bit of a sleeper going into the season.
I think after the big five (LT, AD, Addai, SJax, Westbrook) you could make an arguement for LJ.
Posted by: Shane-O | December 20, 2007 05:51 PM
I'd expect LJ to slip to the bottom of round 1, start of round 2 for sure. I wouldn't want him anymore than a RB2, and anyone would be ecstatic to have him as such.
Posted by: royatlee | December 20, 2007 06:04 PM