Michael Johnson Injured His Ankle
September 8th, 2014
Among the nuggets coming out of Lovie Smith’s news conference today is that big-money defensive end Michael Johnson was injured early in the loss to the Panthers.
“Michael Johnson hurt his ankle about the third play of the game, rolled it,” Lovie said, as part of discussing how his defensive line wasn’t good enough.
Lovie insisted Johnson will get better physically and play better.
Joe’s been hard on Johnson because he simply hasn’t played well since becoming a Buccaneer.
It’s interesting that Lovie referenced Johnson’s ankle, considering Johnson played through the game and Lovie didn’t want to talk about any other injuries.
The head coach just had his player’s back, without being asked about Johnson specifically.
Joe hopes Johnson can pay back Lovie with a good showing Sunday.
September 8th, 2014 at 3:13 pm
I did watch him hobble off the field…wondered…but saw him in for the rest of the game…file under excuses…time will tell
September 8th, 2014 at 3:13 pm
He’s not lying. I saw a tweet saying he hobbled off the field after the first couple plays. He sat out a few more and then returned. Hopefully he can bring it this week!
September 8th, 2014 at 3:14 pm
What about Clayborn?
How is that youngry man?
Another one of Dominick’s finest. Too think, we passed on Cameron Jordan in favor of Clayborn.
September 8th, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Well that’s convenient! So the “injured” version of MJ was better than whoever we have backing him up? The stink around this position is getting worse!
September 8th, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Well, if he insists…
September 8th, 2014 at 3:28 pm
You’re “Spot On” Joe! Johnson looked pitiful on Sunday, and although there’s been a lot of praise for McCoy during the game, he didn’t look spectacular to me either….A few good moments, but in general, the Defense was not inspiring yesterday. I can’t help but wonder if this is a case of the team just not “gelling” yet, or possibly if it was a case of “over-confidence”? I still remain optimistic for next week against the Rams!
September 8th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
No big deal! I saw no QB pressure coming from Johnson before his “injury”, why should we expect to see any now? Let’s face it….Michael Johnson had one good year and has shown very little since then. I think we bought a clunker! Of course, if he can quiet all the naysayers…have at it! But until then he is, and will continue to be a huge disappointment.
September 8th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Not to worry the greatness from Clemson will be back soon enough. Our troubles will be over!
September 8th, 2014 at 3:32 pm
isn’t it funny when a team is sucking everyone is getting hurt……mankins, martin, johnson, banks, ASJ off the top of my head came out of the game with some sort of injuries…..
hope they heal…but winning heals all. yank mcclown now please!
September 8th, 2014 at 3:34 pm
start golston over johnson or clayborn
September 8th, 2014 at 3:39 pm
yeah, he is stickup up for his handpicked free agent. we’ll see, wont we
color me skeptical, or specticle. LIke, i didnt see him through my specticles doing anything
September 8th, 2014 at 3:49 pm
stevek Says
“What about Clayborn?”
Clayborn did not have that bad of a game actually. Both he and McCoy were double teamed at times, mainly because the Panthers knew Michael Johnson was not a threat.
If he was injured, he should have been pulled.
Personally, I think it is nothing but an excuse. If he was able to stay in the game, the injury could not have been that bad.
September 8th, 2014 at 3:51 pm
@Joe,
Any update on ASJ? I remember him getting rolled up while blocking and i didn’t see him come back to the field since then.
September 8th, 2014 at 3:55 pm
Sh!t for as much money as that m@Ther F()Coker is getting he should tap his damn ankle up and keep moving. He was consistently being beat and exposed all game. This is just and excuse for poor play from this guy. I wish we ha an escape clause on him cus damn he looked down right pathetic last night.
September 8th, 2014 at 4:01 pm
Something in the water at one buc place, Background check the waterboy.. Maybe just a curse, this is what its like being a buc check it out here http://www.imagesup.net/?di=9141020639514
September 8th, 2014 at 4:19 pm
A slow start in a new system can happen but the question remains… can Johnson contribute anytime soon? Hating him already is like Eric Wright deja vu. All over again.
Meanwhile, straight from the insult to injury department downstairs, Lovie need not cover for his guy. We’ve seen nothing whatsoever Coach. Even Bowers had a splash play or two between injuries.
September 8th, 2014 at 4:20 pm
What did Johnson injure in the preseason?
September 8th, 2014 at 4:25 pm
Johnson has been manhandled by every lineman he has faced so far as a Buc. He looks like the late Gaines Adams, (RIP Gaines). Point is that if he was that good next to Adkins, he should be unbelievable next to GMC. Can’t wait for Gohlston to get back.
September 8th, 2014 at 4:29 pm
@ biff barker
How did Eric Wright work out for you?
This sure looks like a rerun of Dexter Manley, Eric Curry, Reagan Upshaw, Marcus Jones, ok I will stop here.
September 8th, 2014 at 4:52 pm
…all the new toys are broke…still left with all that “rock star” dumb though
September 8th, 2014 at 5:03 pm
Bogiedr Says:
@ biff barker
How did Eric Wright work out for you?
That was my point. Wright was all wrong.
September 8th, 2014 at 5:03 pm
So basically Johnson with a bad ankle is better than anything else we got? I found myself laughing about this game saying the bucs needed D. Bowers to bail them out
September 8th, 2014 at 5:31 pm
We knew all year long hes a one trick pony that needs speed to beat his man… this guy must isnt worth themoney…. maybe 3million a year at best!
September 8th, 2014 at 5:36 pm
Yep, MJ and like 10 other Bucs got ‘hurt’ yesterday. Always happens during a butt whooping… players start to come up lame, literally. Didn’t see many Panthers players getting hurt for some reason. Bucs better regroup fast.
September 8th, 2014 at 5:39 pm
Clayborn had a terrible game. I was one who was willing to wait before calling him but now I saw and it was horrible. Slow, can’t get separation and clueless. I’m sorry but as soon as Gholston is healthy, he needs to warm the bench
September 8th, 2014 at 5:51 pm
Clayborn had a sack taken away bc of penalty. Soloman played much better the Johnson at least he has a motor.
September 8th, 2014 at 6:18 pm
Hurt his ankle doing wat? Backpedaling, watching the play go right by him cause the o-lineman blew him out the play! “Jimminy Christmas”!
September 8th, 2014 at 6:23 pm
I’ll be amazed if we can reach 4 wins with McCown at QB and this defense. If we lose this Sunday, make that 2 wins.
Different season, new HC, New GM…..same old Bucs.
September 8th, 2014 at 6:43 pm
In the words of the great Ocho Cinco – Child PLLLLease
September 8th, 2014 at 8:50 pm
Teams don’t let premier pass rushers walk for what Johnson was paid….He’s no Michael Bennett, let’s just put it that way.
September 8th, 2014 at 9:16 pm
Johnson rolled his Ankle?
That’s the first thing he’s done, since he got he.
If he rolled it, might as well go ahead and Smoke it!
Not like it would interupt him from doing what he’s been doing!!
Nuthin
September 8th, 2014 at 10:32 pm
Lol, the next Simeon Rice we were told. The guy was piping up during camp about emulating Simeon. Plays more like Condoleezza Rice.
September 8th, 2014 at 11:40 pm
Yeah, and excuses are like assholes, Coach Smith. Anyone else already annoyed by our HC talking out of both sided of his mouth? Your hand picked DE hasn’t produced since he walked in the door. Unless that foot is dangling from his ankle by a thread, you and the $24 million dollar man will get no sympathy from me.
September 8th, 2014 at 11:42 pm
@Chris
Good one!
September 8th, 2014 at 11:46 pm
Everyone speaking on the defensive play does realize we went into 4th only down 10. 10 points due pretty much to McCown. You can only survive sh!##y qb play for so long
September 9th, 2014 at 11:07 am
You guys are sound like a bunch of brats. If you listened to all the ex-bucs players that actually played the Tampa 2 and (including Derrick Brooks and Sapper) and didn’t drink all the kool aid these “analysts” have been selling, they told us this wouldn’t come together in an instant. The Tampa 2’s success is predicated on teamwork, instincts and trust in your teammates. We have a lot of new parts and that will take time to build. The offense looked horrible I will admit; however, if we can look anything like we did in the 4th quarter for most of the game we will have a good offense. I had a chance to watch the rewind of the game when I wasn’t pumped up and emotional. We had some good things that happened. Just a lot of errors, which is to be expected in game one with a new scheme and host of new players. Josh played bad, but he almost pulled it off in the end and that is promising. His first int call him dumb for trusting his receiver, but I’d expect ASJ to fight and rip that ball down and he kind of gave up on it. I’d say just stop being so emotional I know we want it now but if you look at the game there were some things we will build on. Look at our trajectory throughout its been up, up, up. Starting from training camp through preseason we get better and better each outing, think about that and where we ar heading. And if you really want to feel better about our team go see what the Rams fans are saying about their team…lol it sure made me feel better.
September 9th, 2014 at 11:26 am
@1bucfan88, sharpening your pitchfork already huh? You know that awkward moment in a movie when a guy gives what he thinks is an epic speech, inspiring music playing, hand clenched into a fist and then he turns around and notices that nobody is paying attention?…yea…