USC's Johnson likely to miss rest of season

[September 29, 2009]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Southern California tailback Stafon Johnson is unlikely to play again this season after a falling weight bar crushed his neck and larynx.

The senior who scored the No. 7 Trojans' go-ahead touchdown against Ohio State two weeks ago was bench-pressing when the bar slipped from his right hand and fell onto his throat.

Johnson was in critical but stable condition late Monday night after more than seven hours of surgery, said Katreena Salgado, a spokeswoman for California Hospital Medical Center.

He was treated for crushing injuries to his neck as well as severe injuries to his larynx, said the hospital's trauma medical director, Dr. Gudata Hinika.

It's unlikely Johnson will be able to play again this season, but his prognosis is good and doctors expect him to make a full recovery, Hinika said in a statement released by the hospital.

Johnson is the Trojans' second-leading rusher with 157 yards, and he leads USC (3-1, 1-1 Pac-10) with five touchdowns. He led USC in rushing last season with 705 yards and nine touchdowns, but has become into the Trojans' short-yardage specialist this season behind starter Joe McKnight.

"It hit him with a lot of force, and it hurt him," coach Pete Carroll said after the Trojans' brief practice Monday night. "No broken bones as far as I understand, but he's got some damage in there somewhere, and they're working it out, trying to figure out what it is."

Johnson had a spotter when the accident happened -- an assistant strength and conditioning coach was standing over him.

"I've seen players have the bar slip and fall onto their chest, but never in my 25 years of coaching have I heard of someone dropping a bar on their throat," said strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle, who was standing 10 feet away when the accident happened. "We're fortunate he was being spotted."

Johnson, one of six tailbacks who get regular practice time with the Trojans, scored two touchdowns apiece against San Jose State and Ohio State, including that 2-yard run with 1:05 left to beat the Buckeyes. He added another touchdown last weekend against Washington State.

Johnson has carried the ball just 32 times this season, while also catching one pass for the Trojans, who visit No. 24 California on Saturday.

[Associated Press; By GREG BEACHAM]

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