Bruce Johnson healthy but can't get back into Bombers lineup this week

You couldn't blame Bruce Johnson if he barged into head coach Mike O'Shea's office and said he was ready to play this weekend.

Never mind that the Bombers defensive back suffered a heel injury against the B.C. Lions, missed the first practice this week and is slated to sit out Saturday's game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. As the man who is replacing him this week, Johnny Sears, found out earlier this season, once you leave the Bomber lineup due to injury it's difficult to get back in it after returning to full health.

Johnson practised fully the last two days, but Sears will still get the start on Saturday against the Tabbies.

“I feel fine, man,” Johnson said after Thursday's practice. “I'm just taking it one day at a time, basically for precautionary reasons, to make sure everything is fine. We still got a long season and playoffs, so I want to be here when things get crackin'.”

Johnson said it's normal for a player to worry about getting his starting job back, but he knows there's some injuries with which you can't take a chance.
“I'm human, but I've been through this,” he said. “I've had experience, but I know I can't rush my body.”

Johnson had a great start to his NFL career with the New York Giants, but an array of injuries led to his release and his signing with the Bombers earlier this season. He has one interception, 33 tackles, three pass knockdowns and two tackles for a loss for the Blue and Gold as their field halfback this season.

Johnson injured his heel trying to break up a pass against the B.C. Lions on Sept. 13.


(winnepegsun.com)