FOXBORO, Mass. — It’s uncommon for a veteran player to receive a second chance after being placed on injured reserve, but Leonard Johnson is excited about his opportunity with the New England Patriots.
Johnson injured his ankle Aug. 24 in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ second preseason game. He was cut Sept. 1 then cleared waivers Sept. 2 and placed on injured reserve, where he stayed until Dec. 3, when he was waived again. Johnson, who would have been a free agent after the season, wouldn’t specify if being waived was his decision or the Buccaneers’.
“It just happened,” Johnson said.
“When the injury happened, right away I thought I would bounce back a lot quicker than what I did. I had no clue it would take that long. I just thank god that I’m in position to be on the squad and to put my best foot forward.”
The Patriots worked out Johnson on Tuesday and signed him Wednesday.
“I was pretty excited to hear from the Patriots,” Johnson said. “I worked out, took a physical, and now I’m in position to help the team out.”
Johnson declared himself “100 percent healthy” Friday and practiced in full Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with the Patriots, wearing No. 34. Johnson played cornerback his rookie season in 2012 then moved to the slot with the Buccaneers in 2013 and 2014. He’s unsure where he’ll play with the Patriots.
“I have no clue at the moment,” Johnson said. “Right now I’m trying to learn the playbook and just get around the guys, get to know them and just get familiar with the guys. …Â I truly feel if I’m coached right, I’ll just get in position to make a play. Right now the coaches are doing a good job of welcoming me through the process and getting me in tune with the schemes and all the defensive calls.”
Johnson, who played under former Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano in 2012 and 2013, has some common ground with three of his fellow Patriots defensive backs. Cornerback Logan Ryan and safeties Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon played under Schiano at Rutgers.
“I’m just glad to be around the group of guys,” Johnson said. “I’m really excited about getting ready to play. I like what’s going on in here. I’m just thankful I got another shot to play.”
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised Schiano-coached players for their commitment and preparedness. Belichick said Johnson adds a rare combination of youth and experience to the Patriots’ secondary.
He signed a two-year contract with the Patriots, so this season also could serve as an audition for 2016.
Thumbnail photo via Reinhold Matay/USA TODAY Sports Images
