Chris Johnson Injury: 3 Waiver Wire Replacements If He Can't Go on Sunday

According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, Chris Johnson missed Wednesday's practice with sore ribs.

While this appears to be a minor injury and Johnson wants to get back to practice on Thursday, he has already missed a lot of time because of the lockout and can't afford to be losing reps.

With a favorable matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 3 looming, owners would hate to see Johnson on the bench in Tennessee. If Johnson misses Week 3 or is even limited, however, here are three options on the waiver wire to replace him.

Dexter McCluster (28.9 Percent Owned)

I was recommending this guy last week, but now that Jamaal Charles is out for the year, McCluster should be owned in a lot more leagues.

McCluster and Thomas Jones will likely split time, but the Chiefs will have a lot more options for getting the dynamic McCluster into games.

In two games of backup duty, McCluster has already reeled in nine catches and rushed 12 times for a Charles-like 7.8 yards per carry.

The general consensus is that McCluster will get 10-12 touches, but after they fall behind against the Chargers, it's likely that the Chiefs will abandon Jones for the pass-catching McCluster. 15 touches is more likely, with six-to-eight coming via the pass.

Javon Ringer (3.9 Percent Owned)

Obviously if Chris Johnson is out, Ringer is a nice option, but the third-year back out of Michigan State was already starting to earn more carries.

In Week 2 against a stingy Baltimore defense, Ringer looked far more explosive Johnson, rushing five times for 21 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown. He also added two catches for 30 yards. 

If Ringer can produce like that against the Ravens, he should be able to provide a very productive day with 10 touches against the Broncos.

If Johnson is out, the extra touches would make Ringer is a must start.

DeMarco Murray (5.9 Percent Owned)

You're going to want to pay attention to Felix Jones' status for this one, but if Jones (separated shoulder) can't go then Murray is a nice play.

He'll likely split carries with Tashard Choice, but the rookie looked much better in Week 2 (3.5 YPC vs Choice's 1.0). 

Dallas could easily be without Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, and if this is the case, they will have to turn to the ground a lot. Murray could get 15-20 carries and a score against a Washington defense that has given up a touchdown in each of their first two games.