Derrick Johnson Injury: Updates on Chiefs LB's Achilles and Return

Updates from Monday, Sept. 8

Andy Reid confirmed on Monday that Derrick Johnson is out for the season with a torn Achilles (via BJ Kissel of KCChiefs.com):

Original Text

Derrick Johnson, a 10th-year linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, was removed from the team's Week 1 matchup with the Tennessee Titans with a reported torn Achilles.  

The news was first reported by John Glennon of The Tennessean:

Sam Mellinger of The Kansas City Star adds his take and more information on the injury:

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com later reported the Achilles is torn:

The Chiefs later confirmed that Johnson had in fact torn his Achilles:

Prior to leaving the contest, Johnson had already compiled a total of four tackles against the Titans. In 2013, he had 107 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks and nine total tackles for loss for the Chiefs.

Kevin Seifert of ESPN provided his thoughts on Johnson's injury along with several others during Week 1:

During his nine years before the 2014 season, Johnson has played in 15 or more games during seven of those years. Needless to say, he's been a staple for the Chiefs throughout his career and has posted consistent numbers.

With Johnson out for an extended period of time, it's a crushing blow to the Chiefs' defense.

While there are other players like Dontari Poe and Tamba Hali in the front seven, a potential loss of Johnson depletes one of the team's biggest strengths.