Roughriders’ Micah Johnson played both sides of the line on Sunday

Article content

Micah Johnson went from sacking the quarterback to protecting the quarterback on Sunday.

During the Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Saskatchewan Roughriders suffered two injuries along the offensive line which forced Johnson, an 11-year veteran defensive lineman, to play along the offensive line for the remainder of the game.

Article content

“It’s incredible,” Roughriders head coach Corey Mace, a former defensive tackle, said following the 35-33 loss. “I wish it was really easy for people to understand how hard it is to switch at any position on your side of the ball let alone going on to the opposite side.

“So, the fact that Micah Johnson is playing the whole second half at right guard, that’s a credit to him doing whatever he has to do to help this team.”

Sunday’s game was the second time Johnson — the CFL’s sack leader — was forced into action along the offensive line this season after being called into action for the final series of the game against the Edmonton Elks on Aug. 3.

“That was the first time playing O-line in my life,” Johnson, 36, said following the Week 9 game. “That was crazy.”

A month later, the 6-foot-2, 278-pound Johnson played nearly a half of football along the offensive line in the Labour Day Classic.

“He did fantastic,” said quarterback Trevor Harris, who was kept upright while Johnson was in the game. “Worst part of the game is injuries and the fact that Micah was able to step up … was fantastic.

Article content

Article content

“I’m glad that we have him and he has the ability to do that.”

After centre Peter Godber was injured in the second quarter, Zack Fry shifted from left guard to centre while backup Noah Zerr came into play left guard.

After Fry got hurt in the third quarter, right guard Logan Ferland came into play centre and Johnson was tasked with playing right guard. Tackles Trevor Reid and Trevon Tate were the only two who didn’t have to switch spots during the game.

“That O-line stuff is crazy; the D-line is easy,” said Johnson. “As a D-lineman, I watch so much film on offensive linemen and what they’re trying to do.

“The guys around me … all of them just helped and made it easy for me; just talking me through all the situations on the sidelines, what to expect.

“And just constant communication throughout the play. Basically, just telling me my job from play-to-play.

“So for me, at that point, I knew what I was supposed to do so it’s just about executing.”

Johnson — who has never taken a practice rep nor played offensive line before this year — was a running back and linebacker at Fort Campbell High School in Kentucky before moving to West Potomac High School in Virginia, where he also played basketball.

Article content

He went on to play linebacker for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, where he played alongside his older brother Christian, who was an offensive lineman.

After a standout college career, Johnson had a short stint with the NFL’s New York Giants in 2010 before landing with the Miami Dolphins, where again he played linebacker.

Coincidentally enough, the number he wore on Sunday — No. 57 — was the same number he wore in Miami.

“My first year down south, I was playing linebacker in that number so it was kind of funny to throw that back on towards the end like this,” said Johnson, who played one regular season game for the Dolphins.

After stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers, Johnson made his move north to the CFL in 2013, when he joined the Calgary Stampeders as a defensive tackle.

He spent six years with the Stamps, earning CFL all-star honours three times, before joining the Riders for the 2019 and 2021 seasons.

After one year with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2022, Johnson came back to Saskatchewan in 2023 and has been a key part of the defence for the past two seasons.

Article content

So, a permanent move to the offensive line for Saturday’s rematch in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers (1 p.m., TSN, CTV) isn’t likely going to happen.

“I hope not,” said Johnson, whose team is hoping to snap a six-game losing skid. “I’m trying to keep getting sacks.

“I’m trying to keep chasing down the quarterback. But it is what it is. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do for the team. We’ve got to get some Ws so whatever I’ve got to do for the team.”

tshire@postmedia.com

The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Article content