Derrick Johnson spoke on the first day of voluntary workouts and said he’s expecting to be ready by the beginning of training camp.
The Kansas City Chiefs are (mostly) back at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday for the beginning of the offseason workout program. Many players are checking in for the first time since offseason surgery or various levels of rehab, which means fans and media are getting the first bits of insight into how various players are coming along.
For the Chiefs, a major focus is on Derrick Johnson and his return from a torn Achilles injury suffered late in the season. DJ said he is doing well in his recovery and personally expects to be back by training camp, which begins in August.
Derrick Johnson says he's still on track to return by training camp
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) April 17, 2017
DJ says if he's not 100 percent at start of training camp, he will feel there has been a setback.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) April 17, 2017
DJ says he wants to suit up on the first day of full pads and hit
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) April 17, 2017
Earlier this offseason, Johnson restructured his contract in order to give John Dorsey some breathing room on the salary cap. The team needed additional space to make the free agent signing of Bennie Logan official to help replace Dontari Poe, who departed in free agency for the Atlanta Falcons.
DJ on why he reworked his deal in March: "I'm a Chief. I want to help out the team the most I can. I'll be alright on the money part of it."
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) April 17, 2017
While the Chiefs might eventually find some help in the upcoming draft at linebacker, the reality is that Johnson remains the team’s best bet for a starter in the middle of the defense. The fact that DJ is saying he’s on track and looking forward to a full training camp is great news for this time of year.
Johnson had 90 total tackles, 1 interception and 1 sack for the Chiefs last year in 13 starts.