Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson (13) catches the ball during warm-ups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson has been officially ruled out for this week’s contest against the rival Miami Dolphins, and it’s news that comes as no surprise. Johnson’s mother passed away last week, so Johnson has been in northern California since. He hasn’t practiced all week, so the Bills will roll without E.J. Manuel or Johnson on Sunday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Stevie Johnson and his family following his mother’s death, and it’s an extremely sad story. Hopefully Johnson can play the game of his life when he returns in Week 17, and it’s good to see him taking time off. Some players prefer to play following a personal tragedy, while others prefer to reflect; Johnson is choosing to reflect and be with the rest of his family, which is just as admirable.
Johnson has caught 52 passes for 597 yards and three touchdowns this season, and it’s been a bit of a disappointing season for the Bills No. 1 wide receiver due to some nagging injuries. He’s still a very good wideout, but 2013 just hasn’t been his year. In fact, it will be the first time since 2009 that Johnson has not caught at least 75 passes in a season, and this week’s absence will be his third missed game of the year.