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Former New Orleans Saints kicker Brian Johnson is signing with the Washington Football Team following an injury to starter Joey Slye, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Johnson was recently released by the Saints in favor of Brett Maher and initially landed with the Chicago Bears practice squad before getting called up to Washington’s active roster.
Washington lost Slye to a hamstring injury midway through their Monday night win over the Seattle Seahawks, electing to keep their offense on the field for subsequent two-point conversion attempts and fourth downs in opposing territory. Now Johnson will get an opportunity to step in while Slye recovers over the next three weeks on injured reserve.
Johnson, 22, connected on all 8 of his field goal tries for the Saints but only went 5-of-8 on extra point attempts in four games. The rookie out of Virginia Tech was waived once Maher finished recovering from a preseason groin injury, having been New Orleans’ first choice to step in for Wil Lutz. Johnson signed with the Saints after their game against Washington earlier this season, replacing the struggling Cody Parkey.
He’ll have an opportunity to help the frisky Washington squad which is currently the projected seventh seed in the NFC playoff picture with a 5-6 record, trailing the reeling 7-4 Dallas Cowboys on top of the NFC East.
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