Charles Johnson Injury: Updates on Vikings WR's Ribs and Return

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson hadn't played since suffering a rib injury against the San Diego Chargers in Week 3, but he is ready for Week 7.

Continue for updates.

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Johnson Active Week 7

Sunday, Oct. 25

The Vikings announced Johnson is available to play against the Detroit Lions, but Stefon Diggs will start in his place.

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Johnson Comments on Receiving Diagnosis from Trainers

Tuesday, Oct. 6

"I don't know what it is, actually. [The trainers] were like, 'Something's wrong with your ribs.' When I tried to [run] too fast, I could feel it, so they were like, 'Just rehab it.' Hopefully, they'll get me right, and I'll be back out there," Johnson said, per ESPN's Ben Goessling.

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Johnson Still Trying to Replicate 2014 Success

Johnson came out of nowhere to rack up 475 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2014. He spent the previous season between the Green Bay Packers practice squad and Cleveland Browns, and he didn't appear in a game for either. 

It's been a rough start for the 26-year-old in 2015, as he has just 46 yards on six receptions through three games, but his big-play potential makes him a dangerous weapon for opposing defenses to plan for when he's healthy. 

The Vikings worked to upgrade their receiving corps in the offseason, trading for Mike Wallace, but Johnson was expected to play a more prominent role in helping quarterback Teddy Bridgewater take the next step. 

Bridgewater praised Johnson's growth during the preseason, telling Goessling in August the wideout's all-around game made him a valuable asset. 

"Charles, he’s a big, physical guy," Bridgewater said. "He helps out in the run game with his blocking for the running backs and it showed tonight in the passing game in just the first half—not even the entire first half, but the first quarter. He showed that he’s going to be big for us this year."

The offense is capable of doing good things with Bridgewater under center, Adrian Peterson in the backfield and the rookie upside of Diggs.