The College Football Playoff National Championship Game is set. The Michigan Wolverines will take on the Washington Huskies in a battle of the country’s final two undefeated teams.
However, when the Huskies make their trek to Houston, they may be without their star running back, Dillon Johnson.
Dillon Johnson Injury Update: Latest Update On Washington’s RB
Injured on the final offensive play from scrimmage for the Huskies, Johnson’s status for the National Championship was unknown upon the final whistle of the Sugar Bowl. Though Johnson had been reportedly battling a lower-leg injury during the lead-up to the game and the Semifinal itself, it didn’t stop him from scoring two touchdowns on the ground.
Johnson totaled 67 total yards of offense and two scores, and most notably, was given the ball at the end of the game when Washington was set to run the clock out.
dillon johnson injury pic.twitter.com/EJG3qSP6fM
— ◇ (@2MANYBRIDGES) January 2, 2024
It was the final play of a three-and-out series that saw Johnson come down slightly awkwardly on his left ankle with a Texas defender draped over him. He rolled over and grimaced in pain on the field before the clock was stopped.
Johnson needed help getting off the field and was clearly not in good form.
MORE: College Football Bowl Game Standings By Conference
Worse yet, Johnson’s injury stopped the clock and gave the Longhorns a much-needed reprieve from the running clock. Texas put a scare into the Huskies on the ensuing drive, but after a defensive stop in the red zone, all focus shifted back to Johnson.
Following the game, DeBoer was asked about Johnson’s injury.
“Yeah, I don’t even know the severity of that, you know, obviously he was in a lot of pain,” DeBoer said. “We were focused on the situation and the unfortunate piece of that was the clock situation, but he’s a huge part of this team. Obviously, it looks like he’s hurt pretty good, but we gotta pick it up for him if that’s what it is.”
As a developing story, Johnson’s status for the National Championship is very much in question at this point. Head coach Kalen DeBoer will likely field a slew of questions about his status following the Sugar Bowl.
Johnson’s status for the matchup against Michigan will be one of the most discussed topics ahead of the title game.
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football’s transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!