The Rams secondary could be missing another starter for the next several weeks. John Johnson III suffered a shoulder injury that knocked him out of Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals and he wasn’t able to return.
On Monday, it was announced by his podcast, the “No Bluffin Podcast”, that Johnson suffered a hairline fracture in his scapula and he’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks. It’s yet another crushing blow to a Rams defense that’s already missing Darious Williams on the back end.
It’s not certain that Johnson will go on injured reserve, especially with a bye coming up in Week 6, but it’s possible the Rams will put him on IR to open up a roster spot.
#Rams Safety John Johnson III suffers hairline fracture in scapula. Out for 4-6 weeks. Get well soon JJ. 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/j91jebnBid
— NoBluffinPodcast (@nobluffinpod) September 16, 2024
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed the news from Johnson’s podcast, saying the safety is “headed to IR.”
Johnson has been the starting safety next to Kamren Curl, with Quentin Lake playing in the slot. Kamren Kinchens helped fill in for Johnson on Sunday, playing nine total snaps, but he’s struggled in his first two games as a rookie.
If Chris Shula doesn’t feel Kinchens is ready for a full-time role, the Rams could consider moving Lake to safety and starting either Josh Wallace or Charles Woods at cornerback – or promoting the recently signed Ahkello Witherspoon to the active roster.
Either way, the defense is worse without Johnson, who had a clutch interception against the Lions in the opener.
