Miami Hurricanes center Reggie Johnson to miss 6-8 weeks with thumb injury

University of Miami center Reggie Johnson will miss six to eight weeks with a left thumb fracture, putting the Hurricanes’ hopes of an NCAA tournament berth at risk.

Johnson was injured during a practice Dec. 21, a day before UM played its first game in the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu. Even if Johnson returns in six weeks, he will miss the majority of the Hurricanes’ ACC schedule. An eight-week absence means Johnson, a senior, wouldn’t return until just before the ACC tournament in March.

Prior to the injury, Johnson was averaging 12.6 points and 10.1 rebounds. He likely will be replaced in the starting lineup by senior Julian Gamble.