Johnson feeling good, hopes to play Sunday

Rams CB Trumaine Johnson feeling good, hopes to play Sunday

Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/31532/rams-cb-trumaine-johnson-feeling-good-hopeful-of-playing-sunday

Over and over again,” he said.

The Los Angeles Rams’ primary cornerback exited the fourth quarter of the Oct. 9 game against the Buffalo Bills after suffering a high ankle sprain on a hit from behind. The next day, he was consumed by video of the play, one that came painstakingly close to tearing up his knee and prematurely ending his season.

“I had to, man,” Johnson said, “because I was so mad.”

Johnson felt a lot better when told the ailment would not require surgery and would instead keep him out four to six weeks. He spent the fourth week practicing with the team and said after Friday’s workout that he feels “pretty good.” He’s hopeful of returning for Sunday’s 1:05 p.m. PT game against the Carolina Panthers, which would mark exactly four weeks since he initially got hurt.

“It’s been a long month,” Johnson said. “I’ve been itching to get back there with my teammates. Lots of rehab. I’ve been living in the training room, trying to get back out on the field.”

Johnson was a limited participant in Friday’s practice and was listed as questionable for Sunday, which will mark the Rams’ first game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in nearly a month. The same goes for defensive end William Hayes (ankle), defensive tackle Michael Brockers (groin) and right guard Jamon Brown (hand). Receiver Nelson Spruce, who has yet to be active, was ruled out with a calf injury.

Johnson, who stands 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, would match up against 6-foot-5 receiver Kelvin Benjamin, the Panthers’ No. 2 target behind 6-foot-5 tight end Greg Olsen. Without Johnson, the Rams would start three corners — E.J. Gaines, Lamarcus Joyner and the inexperienced Troy Hill — who stand no taller than 5-foot-10. Johnson tied for the fourth-most interceptions in the NFL from 2013-15 with 13, then tied for the NFL lead with seven pass breakups — a stat that combines batted passes with passes defended — through the first five weeks this year.

Without him, the Rams lost three straight games.

“I’m just ready to play, man,” Johnson said. “I’m tired of losing. I’ve been sitting out there, watching my teammates. I feel like I can help win some games. We’ll see Sunday; I feel good, though.”