Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Johnson Ankle Injury Brings Back Bad Memories

The Kansas City Chiefs may have been dealt another injury during a preseason finale that could haunt them the entire season.

It was around this time last year, in the fourth and final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers nonetheless, when starting tight end Tony Moeaki suffered a torn ACL.

While losing a tight end might not sound extremely devastating, the loss of Moeaki was the beginning of a horrific domino effect that sent the Chiefs' 2011 season quickly spiraling downward.

In subsequent games, both safety Eric Berry and running back Jamaal Charles also suffered similar fates to Moeaki with season-ending ACL tears.

Fast forward to tonight: fourth and final preseason game, the same opponent (Packers) and starting middle linebacker Derrick Johnson going down with what the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher believes could be significant.

"

Derrick Johnson has ankle injury that could be significant

— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) August 31, 2012"

The primary goal for tonight's game was for the Chiefs to enter the season opener with the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 9, with no further injuries. Cornerback Brandon Flowers has already missed the entire preseason, and safety Kendrick Lewis has a bum shoulder.

Add Tamba Hali's suspension into the mix and the Chiefs' defense was already in for a long day against Matt Ryan and Co. And if Johnson is unable to go, Kansas City could be awaiting a similar result of the 41-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills to open last season.

While his injury probably won't be the start of another trauma spree, fans are superstitious and will be on edge waiting to hear the official news on Johnson's ankle.

Maybe there really is something to shortening the preseason. Everyone in and around the Chiefs organization is probably thinking that the 44-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks is a lot easier to swallow after tonight's injury blow.

Contact Jeremy at [e-mail], on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy and at popflyboys.com.