Derrick Johnson Injury: Updates on Chiefs LB's Recovery from Achilles Surgery

The Kansas City Chiefs announced linebacker Derrick Johnson suffered a ruptured Achilles against the Oakland Raiders in Week 13. The injury required season-ending surgery, and he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Saturday. 

Continue for updates.

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Johnson Placed on IR

Saturday, Dec. 17 

The Chiefs announced Johnson's roster spot would be filled by defensive lineman David King.  

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Johnson Undergoes Surgery

Sunday, Dec. 11

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Johnson's Injury Delivers Critical Blow to Chiefs

Losing Johnson is a significant blow to the Chiefs defense before the stretch run and playoffs. He had 89 combined tackles coming into Thursday's contest.

The 2005 first-round pick is one of the defensive leaders for the squad. He is a four-time Pro Bowler and was a 2011 First-Team All-Pro; he is athletic enough to drop back into coverage and strong enough to stuff the line of scrimmage or attack the quarterback.

Despite his veteran status, Johnson tallied 116 combined tackles, four sacks and two interceptions a season ago.

The Chiefs have a couple of options who can fill in for Johnson. D.J. Alexander and Terrance Smith will likely have the opportunity to be more significant contributors following this setback.

While Alexander and Smith can at least shoulder more of the load with Johnson out, the veteran is one of the faces of the Chiefs defense. They will miss him in the tight AFC West race.