Though the Washington Huskies won the Sugar Bowl on Monday night, they lost running back Dillon Johnson late in the game to an injury.
Luckily for the Huskies, it doesn’t sound like Johnson will miss the national championship game next Monday.
In fact, Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer said he expects Johnson to play against Michigan.
“There’s nothing as far as above and beyond what has happened in the past. Just kind of throughout the game he’ll re-aggravate it, shake it off and go back out there and play. I guess my thoughts are that he’ll be ready to go,” DeBoer said, via On3.
DeBoer added that Washington will be smart with Johnson as it prepares for Michigan.
“Obviously it’s a quick week, quick turnaround, only seven days to get ready again. We’ll be smart with how we prepare. And again, that’s my assumption, not having talked to him today.”
Kalen DeBoer asked about RB Dillon Johnson: “This is something he’s been working through for a couple months now and just plays through it. There’s nothing as far as above and beyond what’s happened in the past.”
He added: “My thoughts are he’ll be ready to go.”
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) January 3, 2024
Johnson has been electric for Washington this season, rushing for 1,162 yards and 16 touchdowns on 222 carries.
If Johnson isn’t effective on Monday against Michigan, all the pressure will fall on Michael Penix Jr. and the passing game. That’s not necessarily a bad thing when you consider how well he’s playing.