NFL notebook: Texans lock up Johnson
Andre Johnson got the deal he wanted and says he’s committed to playing for the Houston Texans for his entire career.
The All-Pro receiver signed a two-year extension on Thursday that will keep him in Houston through the 2016 season.
Neither the Texans nor Johnson’s agent, Kennard McGuire, would disclose terms. The Houston Chronicle and KRIV-TV reported that Johnson’s extension had a maximum value of $38.5 million, including $13 million guaranteed.
Johnson said he was satisfied.
“There’s nothing I can complain about,” he said. “For me to be in the situation I was in, for this to happen, it just speaks a lot to the people we have in the organization and the owner we have. It’s a first-class organization. I’m very happy right now.”
Johnson has led the league in receiving yards the past two seasons and topped 100 catches in three of the past four.
The 29-year-old Johnson had five years left on his old contract, but told McNair and Smith earlier this year that he wanted a new deal. The soft-spoken receiver caused a stir when he skipped three voluntary workouts in May and brought his desire for a new contract to light.
But his absence, and the media attention it drew, made Johnson uneasy and he arrived on time to training camp, hoping that the ongoing negotiations wouldn’t become a distraction.
“I can’t say that the offseason wasn’t a little bit frustrating, just sitting at home and thinking about contract things,” he said. “Once I came in, I put it behind me and I let my agent handle it. As you can see, it worked out, so I’m very excited about it.”
Haynesworth to have MRI
The Washington Redskins have ordered an MRI on Albert Haynesworth’s sore knee.
Coach Mike Shanahan said Haynesworth would have an MRI after the two-time All-Pro defensive lineman failed to take the team’s conditioning test for the third straight day.
Haynesworth failed the test each of the first two days of training camp, but his left knee has hampered his efforts to try again. He started the test Monday, but stopped when the knee acted up.
Shanahan has said Haynesworth needs to pass the test in order to practice.
Dumervil injures chest
Denver Broncos pass rusher Elvis Dumervil’s season might be sacked by a torn chest muscle.
A person familiar with the injury to Dumervil said the reigning NFL sacks king could be sidelined for up to five months, making it difficult for Dumervil to return this season. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Coach Josh McDaniels said the team is evaluating courses of treatment for the pass rusher and there is no timetable for his return. Surgery has not been ruled out.
Dumervil was hurt at practice Wednesday night in a 1-on-1 passing drill.