Six weeks ago, LA Wildcats QB Josh Johnson got another shot at an NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, signing to their practice squad.
With starter Jimmy Garoppolo likely to miss the season, and Nick Mullens now out with an elbow injury, Johnson was set to be added to the active roster, and possibly see the field this upcoming week.
But because of a positive test result for the virus, the team has had to put him on the COVID-19/reserve list, and signed another QB.
COVID-19 has put a damper on just about everything, changing the way we function as a society, and taking the jobs of many people around the world.
NFL players aren’t exempt. We’ve seen teams lose entire position units because of it. Denver started a converted WR at QB.
Washington just signed BattleHawks QB Taylor Heinicke as their “COVID QB”, so they’re not victimized by a similar situation.
The Ravens and Titans have had multiple postponements of games after the virus ravaged their locker room.
Johnson tweeted about the circumstances, and his obvious frustration:
He had a fantastic 2020 season with the Wildcats, finishing with a 60% completion rate, 1076 yards, and a 11:2 TD-INT ratio. That performance put him 2nd in the league, behind PJ Walker.
And Johnson missed the 1st game of the year due to injury.
Players aren’t allowed to be released while on the COVID/reserve list, and he could stay on the 49ers PS, but since the team signed QB Josh Rosen off the Buccaneers’ PS, it’s not likely. Which is a shame.
He has NFL experience, has shown he can play at a high level, but because of something almost beyond his control, he won’t be able to see this through.
At least not yet.
We’re pulling for him to make a speedy recovery, and get back on an NFL roster as quickly as possible.
For the Love of Football
