Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. is prepared to return to action on Thursday night as he makes his season debut against the Denver Broncos. Johnson has been activated from injured reserve following a right leg fracture sustained during a training camp scrimmage on August 2 at Allegiant Stadium.
After working his way back, Johnson resumed practice on October 27, opening a 21-day window for the Raiders to officially activate him. His return comes at a crucial time for the team, which is looking to bounce back after a narrow 30-29 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
“It”s been a long time for me,” Johnson remarked on Wednesday. “Ain”t nothing short, but it”s shorter for them. Just getting mentally prepared for it. I”ve got the fresh legs, obviously.” He is expected to play a significant role in the Raiders” nickel packages, teaming up with fellow safeties Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jeremy Chinn.
Johnson expressed confidence in the versatility of the defensive backfield, stating, “We”re all interchangeable. I can play nickel and Chinn can go to safety or Pola-Mao can go to nickel and vice versa. We can all move around and it”s not too much.” As a seasoned player in his seventh year, Johnson aims to establish a more stable position after previously playing with four other franchises.
Head coach Pete Carroll commented on Johnson”s return, noting, “We”ve got to get him back out there. It”s been quite a while for him, so this will be his first full-speed live action. We”ll look after him and make sure we”re monitoring him well to see how he”s handling things, but we”re really excited to have him back. It”s unfortunate for him it”s a short week, but in the coming weeks, I expect him to be a big factor.”
