Bengals' wide receiver has a partially torn labrum in his shoulder, but will play through it and expects to play in Week 1 against Baltimore, according to the NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that Chad Johnson has a partially torn labrum in his shoulder, but plans to play through it.
ESPN's John
Clayton says the injury is "not too bad." Johnson is in a harness and
would need season-ending surgery if the shoulder popped out again, but
he considers that "unlikely." Clayton also seems to think that's
unlikely. Johnson looks like a risky WR 1/2 pick now, but don't
overreact. Handcuffing Johnson with Chris Henry would be a good idea.
The team already made one desperate move in re-signing the troubled Chris Henry last week and now the reportedly are shopping running back Rudi Johnson in an attempt to get a receiver. ESPN's Chris Mortensen says the Bengals are asking for a "real receiver," or someone who could help if Johnson has a setback.
It's hard to imagine what if any value Johnson has, but the fact they are shopping them seems to indicate that his roster spot may be in jeopardy.
I am not counting on much of anything from him whether he stays on the team or not.
At least at running back Chris Perry, Kenny Watson, and DeDe Dorsey could work. However, if Chad goes down for a lengthy period the team does not have the depth, at least proven depth that can be counted on, to fill the shoes.
The bigger problem though is the offensive line. Carson Palmer was pressured all night long on Satruday night against the Saints and sacked three times. On the third sack Palmer came up bloody with a broken nose.
I am not a big fan of preseason and don't read much into it. Still, this team's inability to pass block and open holes up front is alarming. Stacey Andrews needs to deliver on his promise, but even then the tackles are below average and the center is a joke.