Falcons offensive lineman Mike Johnson is in a battle to save his NFL career.
Just last season, he was winning the battle for the starting right tackle spot until he suffered season-ending ankle injury against the Bengals.
“I’m just trying to battle in this good group for a spot,” said Johnson, who was a third-round pick in 2010. “We have a lot of guys who’ve played a lot of good football. It’s going to be tough to make the team.”
Johnson was the blocking tight end in 2012 and played in all 16 games. He suffered the fractured fibula and dislocated ankle on Aug. 6, 2013. He was ahead of Lamar Holmes for the starting spot at the time.
Johnson, who played at Alabama, tries not to reflect on what might have happened last season.
“It is what it is,” Johnson said. “It’s one of those things were you got dealt a bad hand, but nobody is going to feel sorry for you. We drafted a great guy in Jake (Matthews) and he’s going to make this team better. I have been trying to find a role for myself now.”
Johnson is practicing mostly at the second-team right guard spot, but he can slide up out to tackle and has been practicing some at center.
“I’m just trying to lean on my versatility and try to carve out a role,” Johnson said.
About the Author
