Johnson to kick off Stampeders training camp on sideline

The Calgary Stampeders will be without one of the most imposing defensive linemen in the CFL to start training camp.

Speaking with the media prior to the start of Stamps rookie camp on Thursday, head coach Dave Dickenson revealed that off-season knee surgery will likely prevent defensive tackle Micah Johnson from joining in when full camp gets underway on Sunday.

“We have to be smart,” Dickenson said. “Micah had (surgery) you guys probably aren’t aware of on his knee.”

Johnson won’t be alone on the sideline to start camp, however, as it appears that Canadian receiver Lemar Durant is unlikely to be ready to go this weekend because he’s still recovering from the season-ending knee injury he suffered in Week 7 last year against the Toronto Argonauts.

Both veterans are expected to be impact players if the Stamps are going to replicate the regular season success they’ve had over the past couple years.

Prior to getting hurt last season, Durant had caught 22 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns, while Johnson ended the season with more sacks than any other defensive tackle in the CFL with nine.

Their production will be sorely needed, but the Stamps coaching staff isn’t going to rush them back.

“We’ll be cautious,” Dickenson said. “It’s our job as coaches to make sure we don’t put them in bad situations and rush them.”

Johnson could also be joined on the sideline for training camp by his defensive linemate Junior Turner, although that will likely depend on medical evaluations that will take place over the next couple of days.

“We just came to a new deal with Junior and we’re excited to have him back,” Dickenson said. “We feel he’s good to go, he’s one of those who we’ve got our physicals and all that and whatever the doctors advise us … we’ll go that route.

“I think he looks strong, I’m excited for him.”