Bengals optimistic after Michael Johnson leaves practice on cart

CINCINNATI -- Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson sprained his MCL in practice Sunday a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.

Just after practice, coach Marvin Lewis expressed optimism the defensive end avoided significant injury.

"From everything right now it seems like Michael should be OK, but they'll continue to do what they do and hopefully that'll continue to be positive reports," Lewis said. "Whoever it's been on those field exams, they're usually pretty accurate. So I feel good about that."

"Mike will be good in a few weeks," the source told Anderson.

Johnson was carted off the practice fields about an hour into Sunday's training camp session. The injury occurred at the end of a drill that featured only running backs and defensive linemen and linebackers. Although the Bengals put on shoulder pads for the first time in camp, defenders weren't allowed to tackle opposing ball carriers.

During the play, undrafted rookie Terrell Watson was running the ball when players collided like normal on running plays. Suddenly, Johnson went down.

After being evaluated on the field by trainers for a few moments, Johnson walked gingerly to a nearby cart under his own power. He was taken into Paul Brown Stadium for further evaluation.

It was while Johnson was being tended to on the field that he made a special request of his teammates who were standing around.

"Mike said, 'Let's pray,' " Lewis said, adding with a chuckle: "I said, 'Mike, I'm going to pray with you, bruh.'

"So hopefully the Lord heard us."

A third-round pick by the Bengals in 2009, Johnson returned to Cincinnati via free agency earlier this spring after spending the 2014 season with Tampa Bay. He signed with the Buccaneers last offseason.

Hopes have been high in Cincinnati that Johnson's addition could help the Bengals improve a woeful pass rush that ranked last in sacks in 2014.

Although Johnson had only four sacks with the Bucs last year, he had a career-high 11.5 with the Bengals in 2012. Every player on that starting defensive line is also on this year's expected starting unit.