Stephen Johnson cleared to return for the second half

How about some good news from the Music City Bowl? Stephen Johnson has been cleared to play in the second half after leaving the game with an arm injury.

Kentucky’s starting quarterback went down hard on his right arm on this tackle out of bounds:

Stephen Johnson injures his right shoulder on this hit, that was not called for a late hit (pretty egregious takedown)

And Kentucky got an unsportsmanlike for complaining, apparently. This is awful. pic.twitter.com/vMaVWtAC9E

— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) December 29, 2017

When the refs didn’t call the late hit, it appears Kendall Randolph said something about it, which earned Kentucky another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Here’s what it looks like. Stoops got the ref to come to where Johnson was laying and #5 Kendall Randolph (Sr CB) said something to the official. Looks like the official wagged his finger at him and then threw the flag. @MrsTylerKSR @KySportsRadio pic.twitter.com/a0k7ilkDQJ

– David Scott (@Finna_Go_HAM) December 29, 2017

On Johnson’s way to the locker room, he shared some choice words with a referee:

@MrsTylerKSR @KySportsRadio Stephen Johnson with words for the official as he’s being led off the field. #KSR pic.twitter.com/9HcjAxhQ6u

– David Scott (@Finna_Go_HAM) December 29, 2017

Stephen Johnson likes horse…something. pic.twitter.com/y7Cp3Cp0oJ

– Connor O’Gara (@cjogara) December 29, 2017

At halftime, Stoops voiced his displeasure as well:

Kentucky heads to the locker room down 17-7. Stoops NOT happy with the officials. pic.twitter.com/rpHtL7fhVH

— Jonathan Dunn (@Jonathan__Dunn) December 29, 2017

Can you blame them? So, if you’re counting at home, the following players are now out due:

• Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson (knee)
• Kentucky RB Benny Snell (BS ejection)
• Northwestern LB Paddy Fisher (ejection)

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times: Stephen Johnson is one tough dude.

[mobile_ad]