Washington expects injured Johnson to play in title game
Washington standout running back Dillon Johnson is expected to play in the national championship game against Michigan after his X-rays were negative, Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb announced Tuesday, according to Alyssa Charlston of Fox 13 Seattle.
Johnson sustained an apparent leg injury with 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter as Washington tried to run out the clock during Monday's 37-31 victory over Texas in the Sugar Bowl. The star tailback was helped off the field before going to the locker room on a cart.
Dillon Johnson (Washington RB)
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) January 2, 2024
Appears to have suffered a right foot or ankle injury.
Initial thoughts are a high-ankle sprain, but with a history of recent foot injuries, it could be related to that as well. pic.twitter.com/Spz53LhbM9
Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer said postgame he wasn't sure about Johnson's status.
Having Johnson available is huge for Washington against Michigan's top-ranked defense. The Wolverines, who edged Alabama 27-20 in the Rose Bowl on Monday, allowed only 10.2 points per game during the 2023 season.
Johnson put on a show this campaign, rushing for 1,162 yards (5.2 per carry) and 16 touchdowns, including two scores versus Texas. The junior joined the Huskies in 2023 after spending three seasons at Mississippi State.
Washington boasts one of the nation's most prolific offenses. The team's offensive unit is led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who's surrounded by a stellar wide receiver room featuring Rome Odunze, Ja'lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, among others.
Both the Huskies and Wolverines head into Monday's title matchup with a 14-0 record.