The Washington Huskies were excited about the return of running back Dillon Johnson, but the star playmaker's return couldn't have gone worse after exiting the game right away due to an injury.
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After just one carry on Washington's opening drive, Johnson was spotted in the blue injury tent, as Action Network's Brett McMurphy pointed out via X.
Washington RB Dillon Johnson has gone into injury tent on Huskies sideline
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 9, 2024
Johnson was a surprise starter for Washington against Michigan on Monday night after exiting the Sugar Bowl in the game's final minutes. The injury appeared serious at the time, with few fans expecting the junior to be able to go for the massive matchup against the Wolverines.
Fortunately for Huskies fans, Johnson returned to the field on the team's opening drive, but it appeared that he was far from fully healthy while trying to help lead his team to a national title run.
Johnson has been a key piece in Washington's offense all season. Heading into the national championship, Johnson had carried the ball 222 times for 1,162 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Although his carries weren't efficient against Texas in the Sugar Bowl, Johnson still finished the game with a pair of touchdowns to go along with 49 yards on 21 carries.
Although it's been Michael Penix Jr. leading the charge of Washington's offense through the air with receivers like Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk, Johnson has given the Huskies offense some much-needed balance thanks to his aggressive playing style.
While it's clear that Johnson isn't fully healthy, the Huskies will need all of the help they can get on the ground to stay balanced against a physical Michigan defense. The Wolverines has a loaded secondary led by Will Johnson, so keeping Michigan on its toes will be key for Washington to be able to generate explosive plays on the way to a national title.
