Three days removed from a tough game against Green Bay, New York Jets defender Trumaine Johnson missed practice for a “non-injury” reason.
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY—New York Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson did not practice on Wednesday, as the team prepares for its 2018 season finale against the New England Patriots on Sunday (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS).
On the Jets’ post-practice injury report, Johnson was listed as out due to a “non-injury” reason. Head coach Todd Bowles was mum on Johnson’s unexpected departure.
“It’s an in-house matter that we’re dealing with,” Bowles said when asked about the missing defender. He refused to go into further detail and replied only “we’ll see” when asked if Johnson will play on Sunday.
Approached by reporters at his locker minutes later, Johnson was in better spirits. He began by addressing the events of last Sunday afternoon.
The Jets’ 44-38 loss to the Green Bay Packers in their home finale was somewhat sealed by a crucial third-down penalty in the overtime period. A deep Aaron Rodgers pass to Marquez Valdez-Scantling had fallen incomplete, but Johnson was called for interfering with the receiver.
The 33-yard penalty turned a punt into prime positioning in Jets territory. Seven plays later, Rodgers would end the game with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Davante Adams.
Johnson left the locker room on Sunday without speaking to the media. On Wednesday, he apologized for doing so.
“I was definitely upset, but I took that the wrong way,” he said. “I should’ve talked to (the media) after the game, win or lose. That’s my fault.” Asked about the fateful call drawn by Valdez-Scantling, Johnson replied “They called it. It hurt us. It is what it is”.
The cornerback also confirmed that he spoke with Bowles, but did not divulge any details. Asked if he’d be ready to go on Sunday afternoon, he replied, “of course”.
[membership level="0"] [/membership]Signer of a five-year, $72.5 million contract this offseason, Johnson has earned 40 tackles and four interceptions so far this season. He missed five games earlier this season with a quad injury.
“it’s been up and down, he’s had some good plays, he had some plays that he’d like to have back,” Bowles said of Johnson’s season on Wednesday. “He’s had a good attitude. There’s nothing wrong with his attitude.”
Johnson was part of a crowded Jets’ injury list on Wednesday. Receivers Jermaine Kearse (Achilles) and Quincy Enunwa (ankle) did not practice, nor did Pro Bowl kicker Jason Myers (hip). Bowles has not yet ruled anyone out for Sunday, though he did call Enunwa’s chances “slim” in a Monday conference call.
