Kalen DeBoer provides additional injury update on Dillon Johnson after Sugar Bowl

Despite the joy that comes with winning the Sugar Bowl and advancing to the College Football Playoff Championship, there was still plenty of concern for Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer. That’s because, on the last offensive play of the game for Washington, star running back Dillon Johnson was injured.

After the game, DeBoer provided an additional injury update on Johnson, with the championship game just a week away.

“I think, and again, I haven’t even talked to the training staff,” Kalen DeBoer said. “I caught Dillon just a second and it’s related I think to what he’s been going through the last couple months. So, you know, obviously, he was down and in some pain, but he’s been in pain the last couple months.”

Dillon Johnson has been playing injured for some time now. He ended the season banged up and even with the layoff couldn’t get entirely healthy for the Sugar Bowl. Still, he decided to play through pain.

He would need to be carted off and was clearly in pain with what seemed like a lower leg injury.

“So, just working through it. He’s a tough, tough guy. Tough kid. Not a kid anymore but tough player for us. He’s just been so strong and keeps pushing forward. It goes back to two or three weeks left to go in the season when really this injury happened. Based on what I understand.”

If Dillon Johnson is unable to go in the championship game against Michigan, it would be a massive loss. For all of Washington’s talent at receiver, the Huskies have never shied away from running it and Johnson has been a workhorse for the team.

This season, he had 1,162 yards on the ground and 16 touchdowns on 222 carries. Behind him are players like Tybo Rogers and Will Nixon, who combined for 376 yards and a touchdown on 74 carries. It’s a huge drop-off in production.

This is Dillon Johnson’s first season at Washington after playing three at Mississippi State under Mike Leach. There, he was naturally used primarily as a pass catcher and a big reason why he went to Washington was to prove himself as a runner too.

Kalen DeBoer explains Dillon Johnson’s importance to Washington’s undefeated season

Following the Pac-12 Championship Game, Kalen DeBoer emphasized how important Dillon Johnson was to Washington’s undefeated season.

“[He helps us] find the ability to be balanced when teams forced us to run the football,” DeBoer said.

“The offensive line and DJ worked hand-in-hand and a lot of confidence each other. He’s just been a workhorse. He’s got the explosive plays with those hard yards, he find a ways to get in the end zone, move the chains on on third and short, fourth and short. He’s done it consistently here for the last five weeks.”