As a defender who faced Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in college, outside linebacker DJ Johnson spoke Thursday of taking advantage of his experience when the visiting Carolina Panthers close out the NFL regular season Sunday.
In 2022, Johnson’s Oregon Ducks faced the then-No. 25-ranked Washington Huskies, led by Penix.
“Talented player,” Johnson said of the Falcons’ rookie signal caller after Thursday’s practice. “He can put it together if he wants to.”
Penix certainly did against the Ducks, completing 26 of 35 passes for 408 yards and two touchdowns as the Huskies rallied to score 10 points in the final 3:07, securing a 37-34 victory.
“He played a good game,” Johnson said.
Johnson will not take part in a rematch against Penix at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Coach Dave Canales said Johnson was involved in a car accident and was ruled out Sunday. Speaking after Friday’s final regular-season open practice, Canales admitted to not knowing many of the details, but confirmed there were no series injuries.
“We kind of gathered information over the last night/morning,” Canales said. “It was a car accident and that’s pretty much what I know about it.
“I have not seen him, so I’ll have to talk to the guys to see where he’s at.”
Appearing in 14 games this season, Johnson, a 2023 third-round draft pick, registered 44 tackles, one fumble recovery and a half-sack. Johnson on Friday was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.
@Panthers OLB DJ Johnson, who was ruled out Friday for the #NFL regular-season finale vs.@AtlantaFalcons after getting into a car accident, spoke Thursday about facing QB Michael Penix Jr. in college … pic.twitter.com/IRsxsXyo6L
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 4, 2025
Miles Sanders In Line To Return Sunday
With Chuba Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve, the Panthers’ running back room could get a lift with the return of Miles Sanders.
Maybe.
Sanders, who has not played since suffering a high ankle sprain during the Week 10 win over the New York Giants in the Munich Game, participated fully in practice this week, but Canales said the Panthers likely will decide on his availability Saturday.
“He looked good,” Canales said Friday. “He handled the workload yesterday, and we were smart about it, but he pushed it, and he went through some individual (Friday), you know, ran around and cut, and so feels pretty good.
“But again, he’s got to go through the day. He’s got to see how he wakes up tomorrow, you know, and just with another day of work and we’ll take it all the way, it’ll be a game-day decision for Miles.”
Sanders, who has endured two forgettable seasons with the Panthers, compiled 139 yards on 38 carries and one touchdown this season. Reserve running backs Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone will also be available Sunday.
@Panthers RB Miles Sanders proves he was “doin’ it right” before Thursday’s @NFL training camp joint practice with @nyjets … pic.twitter.com/vaE8f0thOk
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 16, 2024
