Washington running back Dillon Johnson, who suffered an uncomfortable injury on the final offensive play against Texas in the semifinals and needed to be helped off the field by trainers, is expected to play in Monday’s national championship game, head coach Kalen DeBoer announced on Saturday.
The Huskies running back has dealt with leg injuries for most of the season, either with his knee or foot. Johnson himself confirmed in a media availability that he won’t be 100% against Michigan, but he will be ready to play.
Johnson has been Washington’s best option on the ground by a wide margin this season. He’s rushed for 1,162 yards and 16 touchdowns on 222 carries this season, finishing in the top 25 in the country in rushing yards. He sent his biggest statement against USC with 256 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, gashing a leaky Trojans run defense.
No other Huskies running back surpassed 200 yards for the season, and the entire rest of the team managed just 583 yards on 150 carries.
“We’re expecting him to play” – Kalen DeBoer on Dillon Johnson
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) January 6, 2024