All of a sudden, receiver has become a very thin position for the University of Miami.
Davon Johnson, who has started three of the Hurricanes’ last four games, sustained a left knee injury at Tuesday’s practice and was walking with the aid of crutches on Wednesday.
Coach Al Golden did not rule out Johnson for Saturday’s home finale against USF, but it seems unlikely that the senior will play.
Johnson is having the most productive season in his final year of eligibility with 21 receptions and 348 yards.
“It’s tough for him,” Golden said. “I was just talking about him (Tuesday) about how hard he’s worked and how far he’s come so we’ll see, but I’m disappointed for the young man.”
The Hurricanes are already down several receivers. Rashawn Scott, Miami’s second-leading receiver, has been suspended indefinitely and won’t play against USF. Freshmen Malcolm Lewis and Robert Lockhart sustained season-ending leg injuries while Allen Hurns, UM’s third-leading receiver, has a broken bone in his thumb but is expected to play against the Bulls.
Walk-on Garrett Kidd is listed as Johnson’s backup. But it’s likely freshman Herb Waters or senior Kendal Thompkins will get most of the snaps in Johnson’s place. Waters (5), Thompkins (2) and Kidd (0) have combined for seven receptions this season.
Golden said that UM could also line up freshman Duke Johnson as a receiver.
• Defensive end Kelvin Cain, who left the team prior to the Florida State game before being reinstated by Golden last week, is expected to play Saturday. “He’s done a good job and we don’t hold grudges,” Golden said. “We just hope guys come through those situations, learn, and grow up, and we become stronger as a team.”
• Freshman linebacker Gabe Terry, a Palm Beach Central High School graduate, won’t play Saturday. It’s the second consecutive game Terry has missed for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.
[Correspondent Christopher Stock contributed to this report.]
