Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt hinted that Johnson (Achilles) will be back with the team in 2015, the Kansas City Star reports. As a 32-year-old linebacker coming off a major injury for a cap-strapped team, Johnson was arguably a candidate to be released. The Chiefs apparently have no such plans, which isn't shocking once you consider how effective Johnson has been when healthy. Assuming he's ready for Week 1, Johnson will be a strong candidate to record triple-digit tackles for a fifth time in six seasons. He suffered the torn Achilles in Week 1 of 2014, so he'll be a full year removed from the injury.

Johnson (achilles) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, the Kansas City Star reports. Once Johnson's achilles tear was confirmed, it was only a matter of time before he was moved to injured reserve. He and Joe Mays were expected to start at inside linebacker coming into the season, but both went down with injuries and now the Chiefs are left with Josh Mauga and James-Michael Johnson. The team added Jerry Franklin from the practice squad to add depth in the linebacking corps.

Johnson is confirmed to have suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during Sunday's regular season opener against the Titans. Johnson is now expected to miss the remainder of this season. With three career Pro Bowl appearances and 484 total tackles over the past four seasons, Johnson is among the league's best linebackers and his absence represents a huge blow to the Chiefs' defense. Furthermore, with Joe Mays (elbow) out, Kansas City's starting inside linebackers currently project to be Josh Mauga and James-Michael Johnson, a pair of unproven players that could cause the Chiefs to explore free agency for alternatives.

Johnson is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Sunday's regular season opener, potentially ruling him out for the year, NFL.com reports. Johnson already being sidelined for the remainder of this season represents a massive blow to the Chiefs' defense. Not only is Johnson a three-time Pro-Bowler with four consecutive 100-plus tackle seasons, but Kansas City is also without fellow inside linebacker Joe Mays (wrist). Given that unfortunate scenario, James-Michael Johnson figures to be forced into extended playing time moving forward, with a free agent signing also a possibility for the Chiefs in the coming weeks.

Johnson suffered an Achilles injury during Sunday's regular season opener against the Titans and will not return, ESPN reports. Johnson posted four tackles (all solo) prior to exiting Sunday's game. Although the extent of his injury has yet to be determined, the three-time Pro-Bowler being sidelined represents a significant concern for the Chiefs. With him out, James-Michael Johnson should see increased snaps with Kansas City's first-team defense at inside linebacker.

The Chiefs are confident ILB Derrick Johnson (ankle) will be available for their Week 1 game against Atlanta. They're "hopeful" about LCB Brandon Flowers (heel), as well, but not as optimistic about FS Kendrick Lewis (shoulder). A star on the inside of Romeo Crennel's 3-4, Johnson amassed 131 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions last season. The 29-year-old Johnson hasn't missed a game since the '09 season.

Chiefs ILB Derrick Johnson suffered an ankle injury that "could be significant" in Thursday's preseason finale. Backup QB Brady Quinn also left with an injury that could be significant, which might spur GM Scott Pioli to seek a much-needed upgrade. If Johnson joins pass rusher Tamba Hali (suspension) on the sidelines next week, the Falcons offense will get a significant matchup boost.

Chiefs ILB Derrick Johnson set a franchise record with 179 tackles in 2011 and made his first career Pro Bowl. The NFL credited Johnson with 131 tackles, so this stat was via the team's counting. He was also voted by teammates as the Chiefs' MVP. "It will be hard to do that again next year with Jamaal (Charles) coming back," Johnson joked. Pro Football Focus graded Johnson as the NFL's fourth-best 3-4 inside linebacker, behind only NaVorro Bowman, Brian Cushing, and Patrick Willis.

Chiefs ILB Derrick Johnson already has a career-high 126 tackles through 15 games. Johnson has gone from Todd Haley's doghouse in 2009 to joining Tamba Hali as the only Chiefs in the Pro Bowl this season. A nucleus player for the Chiefs at age 29, Johnson has emerged as one of the top inside linebackers in the game.