Andre Johnson passes concussion protocol, will play vs. Ravens

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson said Thursday he passed the NFL’s concussion protocol and will play against the Ravens on Sunday at NRG Stadium. But the team’s leading wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, may not be able to go because of an ankle sprain – a decision won’t be made until Sunday morning – and tight end Garrett is again out with same, coach Bill O’Brien reported. But outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus will return after missing the Indianapolis game with back issues.

Johnson missed last Sunday’s 17-10 road loss to the Colts after suffering a concussion during the Texans’ 27-13 win against the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Dec. 7. It was the 12-year veteran’s second concussion in the past two seasons.

“I feel normal,” he said.

He remembers briefly blacking out but was told by center Chris Myers that he didn’t close his eyes after the hit. To Johnson, the helmet-to-helmet contact and his sudden fall weren’t scary. His family members saw it differently.

“It was more scary for other people than it was for me,” said Johnson, who watched a replay of the hit. “I talk about it like nothing happened. Everybody else who saw it said it was a scary moment for them.”

Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith was fined and penalized for the hit. Johnson said he didn’t have an issue with Smith’s tackle, which immediately floored the wideout.

“I felt my arms and stuff tense up,” Johnson said. “I remember everything.”

Johnson was inactive last Sunday, when the Texans lost quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Savage due to injury.

No. 80′s thoughts while watching two more QBs go down: “Where is the bad luck coming from?”

Johnson welcomed the return of Case Keenum, who’s expected to be the team’s starting quarterback against Baltimore.

“It’s crazy. He was let go and now he’s back,” Johnson said. “It just shows you how things work in this business. Just because a guy is gone at one point doesn’t mean he won’t be back. I’m glad to have him back. He played his college ball here. He’s from Texas. So maybe this is where he belongs.”

The 12-year Texan will face ex-coach Gary Kubiak on Sunday. Johnson wished the Ravens offensive coordinator the best but acknowledged Kubiak is in a different world now.

“I had some of my best years under him,” Johnson said. “I enjoyed the time that I played for him. It’ll be a good chance to catch up with him. I haven’t talked to him since he was here.”


(blog.chron.com)