Kalen DeBoer reveals update on Dillon Johnson's health ahead of national championship

With Washington minutes away from kicking off in the College Football Playoff National Championship, coach Kalen DeBoer offered an update on running back Dillon Johnson. Johnson suffered a leg injury in last week’s Sugar Bowl victor against Texas and said before Monday’s title game vs. Michigan that he is not playing at 100%.

DeBoer spoke with ESPN’s Molly McGrath moments before kickoff to reveal what he saw out of his running back in warmups. According to him, while Johnson may not be at full strength, he’s prepared to give it his all.

“He’s ready to go,” DeBoer said. “Felt really good in warm up, so we feel good about him. He’s been through this many times. Expect him to get out there and compete and play his best game this season.”

Johnson has been a key piece of the Washington offense this year, leading the running game with 1,162 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. He left the Sugar Bowl in the final minutes and needed help to get off the field before the Huskies held on to defeat Texas thanks to a great defensive play at the final second.

Dillon Johnson exits game following first carry

Washington running back Dillon Johnson enters Monday night’s national title game battling injuries, and it’s already playing a factor. Johnson left the game following his first carry of the evening and was later seen on the sidelines receiving attention from the training staff.

ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath revealed on air that Johnson is dealing with a new injury and was seen favoring his left ankle after leaving the game. That is now another issue to deal with on top of the left knee and right foot injuries he already had.

“After his first carry of the game, Washington running back Dillon Johnson sought attention from his athletic training staff,” McGrath said. “He told us his injuries are worse than people realize. In the semifinal, he ruptured the bursa sac in his left knee. He keeps pointing now to his left ankle and he’s been favoring that left side of his body. He also has an injury in his right foot as well.”

Johnson later returned to the game a few plays later, so it appears he will continue to tough it out and give his team all he can. So far he has three carries for 14 yards as the Huskies trailing Michigan by a score of 7-0 early in the first quarter.