Chad Johnson
Chad Johnson Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson says he will be ready to play in the 2008 season. Johnson suffered a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder on August 17th. The Pro Bowl receiver landed awkwardly after diving for a ball against the Lions.

Johnson said he initially considered having the surgery, but after speaking with other players like Brain Westbrook and Kellen Winslow he is now convinced that the shoulder will be strong enough to make it through the season. Johnson even lobbied coach Marvin Lewis to let him play in the Bengals final preseason game against the Colts. He was turned down.

"I've talked to a lot
of people who have played with this injury." Johnson said to reporters. "They didn't get surgery, and they played and had a successful season. So, I'll be fine."

The Bengals receiver wore a harness during Monday's practice and said if his shoulder does pop out again he will need season-ending surgery, but Johnson fells this is unlikely. Along with Johnson, wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh has also been sidelined with a hamstring injury. After missing most of training camp and all three preseason games, he returned to practice on Monday and ran at full speed.

Johnson and Houshmandzadeh combined for over 200 catches in 2007 while racking up 2500 yards and 20 touchdowns.