Raiders fans haven’t seen much of rookie cornerback Isaiah Johnson. Not since he was kneed in the head by a teammate in Oakland’s first preseason game against the Rams.
Well, there’s a good reason for that. Johnson revealed via Twitter on Monday that he not only suffered a concussion on the play, but he also fractured his face.
Johnson is on the injured reserve list and will be eligible to return after Week 8. He’s often been the subject of praise from coach Jon Gruden, but absent of proof, some fans were getting worried they’d never see him at all.
In fact, one tweet expressing just that is what prompted Johnson to tell his secret.
Nick Roach is a former NFL linebacker that suffered a career-ending concussion while a member of the Raiders. Thankfully, it doesn’t appear that will be Johnson’s fate.
But a bone fracture in the face is a serious matter in itself. When the talented rookie is eligible to return, his role may depend on how the Raiders’ season is going. He’s a former wide receiver and needed to sharpen his skills during the preseason.
But at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds with a 4.4-second time in the 40-yard dash, the Raiders may put a healthy Johnson on the field regardless of the situation.
