Ole Miss’ Johnson Out with Broken Fibula

March 20, 2013

MorrisAdmin,

Ole Miss defensive end C.J. Johnson is out for the rest of spring practice after suffering a broken fibula in his right leg during Wednesday’s practice.

Johnson is expected to have surgery on Thursday, according to school officials. Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said Johnson’s recovery time is expected to be about three months.

The 6-foot-3, 233-pound junior played in all 13 games last season and led the Rebels with 6½ sacks last season.

Freeze said in a statement that injuries “are a part of the game” and that the coaches “hate it for the kids.” Johnson is part of a nucleus of young defense linemen — including Issac Gross, Channing Ward and Woodrow Hamilton — that had some success last season as the Rebels finished with a surprising 7-6 record.