Travis

Johnson

It’s uncertain how serious the injury is. Johnson, last year’s first-rounder, looks like a reserve at tackle this season in Houston.

Johnson was struggling to find a place on the Texans before this injury. It’s unclear whether he’ll practice at all before training camp.

The 2005 first-round pick has come a long way since struggling in minicamps. He’ll play next to Robaire Smith with Mario Williams and Anthony Weaver on the ends.

Last year’s first-round pick is moving back to defensive tackle, but the transition hasn’t been smooth. Johnson is buried on the depth chart. “A lot of times guys go, ‘Hey, come on; it’s May. We have no pads,” defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz said. “They give you a list of reasons why they shouldn’t do anything hard.”

The 2005 first-round pick will make $1.226 million once he signs his one-year tender. He’s not playing hardball like the other Chargers’ RFAs because he’s simply trying to earn a starting gig this season.

Johnson, 28, managed just 16 tackles in 13 appearances last season. Acquired via trade with the Texans, he did nothing to solve the Chargers’ run defense woes. Johnson will be fighting just for a backup job in training camp.

The former Florida State tackle is playing end in Dom Caper’s 3-4 defense.

The deal includes $7.77 million in guarantees. The Florida State product looks like a boom-or-bust pick. If he’s as good as his old college teammate Darnell Dockett, the Texans will be pleased.

Johnson reportedly heard some clicking after taking Trent Green’s helmet to the knee Sunday. Coach Gary Kubiak reportedly spoke to the league Monday about Green’s block, but was told that it was legal.