Jets RB Chris Johnson Feels 'Explosive,' Says Knee Is No Concern
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Chris Johnson feels "very explosive."
And now that he's been cleared to practice in full, the New York Jets running back will be out to quiet the concerns over his surgically repaired knee.
"I don't think they're legitimate," Johnson said after his arrival at training camp Wednesday, according to NJ.com. "I don't know too many guys that have been playing with a torn meniscus from Week 3 and still rushed for 1,000 yards."
Johnson was once considered the top rusher in the game, but his 2,006-yard season in 2009 is ancient history as far as football goes. He was released by the Tennesee Titans in April after averaging a career-low 3.9 yards per carry, though he still managed to finish with 1,077 yards and six touchdowns. Johnson also had 345 yards and four touchdowns in the receiving game.
Nobody is expecting the return of CJ2K. Even if he shows a mild improvement this season, Johnson should provide a boost to a team that had some wacky rushing stats in 2013.
The Jets didn't have a 1,000-yard running back. Chris Ivory led the team with 833 yards, Bilal Powell had 697 and quarterback Geno Smith was third with 366. Smith had a team-high six rushing touchdowns, Ivory had three and Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson had two.
"I see myself having a pretty good season," said Johnson, who signed a two-year deal with New York. "I don't really have a number in mind. Just want to win."
The 28-year-old was modest in describing his conditioning test Wednesday. But coach Rex Ryan was impressed with Johnson's speed.
"I'm not sure how everybody came out of the run today, but he was flying," Ryan said.
The Jets are scheduled to hold their first practice at SUNY Cortland on Thursday.
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