What, Ocho Cinco Worry? Nah...
What, Ocho Cinco Worry? Nah... Chad Johnson's turbulent offseason showed no signs of clearing for the star wide receiver Sunday, as he found himself forced to leave the game between his Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions Sunday night. Johnson was hit by defensive back Brian Kelly as he left his feet to catch a pass on the Bengals' first possession.

Johnson landed hard on his left side, and lay on the field for several seconds in pain. He went to the sideline clutching his shoulder, and trainers worked on him for a few minutes before moving him to the locker room.

The team announced that Johnson had sprained the shoulder, and would not be available to play in next week's exhibition against New Orleans, though Johnson himself said otherwise. Head Coach Marvin Lewis said either way, the injury should not stop the wideout from starting the regular season opener.

Johnson and the Bengals had waged a nasty verbal
battle during much of the offseason, with Johnson unhappy with the team's treatment of him.The receiver had developed a habit of playing to the cameras with end-zone dances and other antics, and the team, which had overlooked the pranks while the Bengals were winning, found Johnson's ways a distraction to a team underachieving. Johnson requested a trade numerous times, only to have the team insist he would remain a Bengal.

Johnson threatened to sit out the season, but reported to training camp when the time came. However, he was stopped from practicing by a surgically repaired ankle that was slow to heal. Only last week did he return to full-speed practices.

The Bengals are suffering a rash of early injury difficulties, as the other star receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, has been hobbled by a sore hamstring, and running back Rudi Johnson has the same problem. Backup wideout Chris Henry was cut, despite posessing much talent, due to repeated legal troubles.