"Might be out for a long time": CFB fans fear the worst for Will Johnson after he heads to the X-ray room during USC clash

Will Johnson has left the Michigan game against USC at The Big House. The star cornerback suffered an injury in the fourth quarter of the game and was headed to the locker with a team staffer during a timeout. This immediately created some scare for the Wolverine fans.

According to the live update on the CBS broadcast by sideline reporter Jenny Dell, Johnson has headed to the X-ray facilities alongside his family. This further heightened the fear among fans regarding the availability of the Consensus All-American for the rest of the 2024 season.

Many Michigan fans reacted to Johnson’s injury on social media. There's a growing belief he might be out of action for a long time.

"Will Johnson might be out for a long time. He’s currently getting an X-Ray. Please be okay," a fan said.

Other reactions online:

"Will Johnson getting x rays mid game?! WTF," a fan wrote.

"I hope Will Johnson ok…I hate injuries," another fan wrote.

"And there you go. That was Will Johnson’s spot. Wow. Injuries," another fan wrote.

Will Johnson anticipated a healthy season in 2024

While Will Johnson was a consensus All-Big Ten and a First Team All-American last season, he wasn't healthy. However, he anticipated to be more healthy in the 2024 season, bringing out a much better performance.

"My body wasn't ready for the season," Johnson said in July. "I got right for a little bit, but I didn't put all that work in through the offseason so I could sustain it throughout the season.

"I would say I was probably going 70, 75 [percent] last year. I mean, I wasn't really able to run. If you really know my game, you'll be able to tell that's why I played the way I did last year, because I didn't really trust myself running and things like that, just because I wasn't really able to."

His hope has hit a snag with the injury against USC on Saturday in Ann Arbor. Johnson made the pivotal play for Michigan in the second half, jumping a hitch route to secure a pick-6 that extended Michigan's lead to 20-10. He left the game with the Wolverines leading 20-17.

Regarded as arguably the top defensive back in college football, Johnson is widely projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. His consistent ability to shut down opposing receivers has made him a standout star on Michigan's defense.