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Tight end Eric Johnson suffered a knee injury during Wednesday’s practice that was not initially thought to be serious. After experiencing pain Thursday morning, Johnson had an MRI that revealed a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Johnson who has 32 catches for 282 yards and 2TDs on the season is expected to miss 2-3 weeks due to the injury.
"He's one of the guys who Alex has a great comfort level with and we're trying to establish that with Vernon Davis," said offensive coordinator Norv Turner in a KNBR interview. "So, we'll need Vernon to step up."Sunday will mark Davis' third straight game since returning to action after suffering a cracked fibula in week three against the Philadelphia Eagles. The first-round draft pick has had one catch for 11 yards in his last two games since returning from the injury.
“l’ll be taking more reps in practice, and I expect myself to make plays out there,” said Davis. “It’s unfortunate because I just got back from my injury and now he goes down, so we haven’t really had a chance to see what this offense can be like with both of us out there.”
Johnson, who missed the 2005 season with a foot injury, said getting back from the injury quickly, and being out there on the field to experience what this offense has in store for both tight ends is what he’s aiming for.
“My goal is just to get back so we both can get in there and get a feel for what it would be like,” said Johnson who is set to become a free agent this off-season. “Hopefully, I can get back for the last three or four games and really see how this offense will feature both of us.”
Johnson has excellent hands and route running ability, but he’s also been a factor in the 49ers rushing attack. His absence could also create more opportunities for Billy Bajema to show what he can do as a receiver, and allow rookie tight end Delanie Walker to see increased playing time.
“I hate to see Eric go down because he brings a lot to the team but it just means we’ve got to pick up the slack and distribute the things he did between the rest of us and play well,” said Bajema. “It’s definitely an opportunity for the rest of us to get some chances in the passing game, but we’ll just be ready for whatever they ask of us.”
More on the Injury Front:
RB Frank Gore was upgraded to probable on Thursday after fully participating in practice. T Jonas Jennings and CB Shawntae Spencer remain as questionable after missing their second day of practice. LB Jeff Ulbrich remains probable with a thumb injury he had surgically repaired on Monday
Tight end Eric Johnson suffered a knee injury during Wednesday’s practice that was not initially thought to be serious. After experiencing pain Thursday morning, Johnson had an MRI that revealed a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Johnson who has 32 catches for 282 yards and 2TDs on the season is expected to miss 2-3 weeks due to the injury.
"He's one of the guys who Alex has a great comfort level with and we're trying to establish that with Vernon Davis," said offensive coordinator Norv Turner in a KNBR interview. "So, we'll need Vernon to step up."Sunday will mark Davis' third straight game since returning to action after suffering a cracked fibula in week three against the Philadelphia Eagles. The first-round draft pick has had one catch for 11 yards in his last two games since returning from the injury.
“l’ll be taking more reps in practice, and I expect myself to make plays out there,” said Davis. “It’s unfortunate because I just got back from my injury and now he goes down, so we haven’t really had a chance to see what this offense can be like with both of us out there.”
Johnson, who missed the 2005 season with a foot injury, said getting back from the injury quickly, and being out there on the field to experience what this offense has in store for both tight ends is what he’s aiming for.
“My goal is just to get back so we both can get in there and get a feel for what it would be like,” said Johnson who is set to become a free agent this off-season. “Hopefully, I can get back for the last three or four games and really see how this offense will feature both of us.”
Johnson has excellent hands and route running ability, but he’s also been a factor in the 49ers rushing attack. His absence could also create more opportunities for Billy Bajema to show what he can do as a receiver, and allow rookie tight end Delanie Walker to see increased playing time.
“I hate to see Eric go down because he brings a lot to the team but it just means we’ve got to pick up the slack and distribute the things he did between the rest of us and play well,” said Bajema. “It’s definitely an opportunity for the rest of us to get some chances in the passing game, but we’ll just be ready for whatever they ask of us.”
More on the Injury Front:
RB Frank Gore was upgraded to probable on Thursday after fully participating in practice. T Jonas Jennings and CB Shawntae Spencer remain as questionable after missing their second day of practice. LB Jeff Ulbrich remains probable with a thumb injury he had surgically repaired on Monday
