Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson tore his Achilles tendon during Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, coach Andy Reid announced after the game. Johnson is likely out for the remainder of the season, according to reports.
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Johnson, who is in his 10th year in the NFL, fell to the ground in the second quarter with no apparent contact and had to be carted off the field. Johnson, who led Kansas City in tackles last year, had already recorded four tackles at the time of his injury. The Chiefs lost the game, 26-10.
Johnson has been one of the most consistent and durable players in his first nine years in the league, missing two or more regular-season games just twice. He is considered the heart and soul of the Chiefs defense, amassing 100 or more tackles in each of the last four seasons.
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Johnson has consistently been an every-down linebacker throughout his career. Along with Dustin Colquitt, he is the longest-tenured player on the team. Kansas City is already without the services of linebacker Joe Mays, who had wrist surgery and will miss several weeks. Johnson was replaced by James-Michael Johnson, who the Chiefs claimed off waivers last season.
Last year Johnson had 107 tackles and added four and a half sacks and nine tackles for loss for a Kansas City team that tied for fifth in the league in points allowed per game. The Chiefs still have strong players in the front seven like Tamba Hali and Dontari Poe, but the loss of Johnson is a huge blow to what is arguably the team's biggest strength.
To make matters worse starting defensive end Mike DeVito also tore his Achilles, leaving the Chiefs without two starting defensive players after just the first week of the season.
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