Rebels LB C.J. Johnson undergoes surgery, out 4-6 games

OXFORD — Ole Miss middle linebacker C.J. Johnson underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and is expected to miss four to six weeks.

“The best thing I love about playing sports is that it challenges your guts and determination,” the Rebels senior wrote in a Facebook post that was then posted on Twitter on Tuesday morning. “When the game knocked you down you get up and keep fighting.

“Thank you to all my family and friends who has prayed for me through this difficult time. Hopefully my surgery will go well and I’ll be able to be back with my brothers soon. Thank you for all your support Rebel Nation.”

Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze quoted Johnson's tweet and said "love this man."

Suspended for the team’s season-opener Sept. 5 against UT-Martin, Johnson has collected 17 tackles, two interceptions, one pass breakup and two quarterback hits in four starts this year. He moved from defensive end to middle linebacker since the end of last season and suffered the injury during the Rebels' 38-10 loss to Florida last Saturday.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Johnson started 29 and played in 41 games over the first four seasons of his Rebels career. He collected 137 tackles and 11.5 sacks in that time.

Junior Terry Caldwell would be an option to replace Johnson in the Rebels’ starting lineup in Saturday’s 11 a.m. homecoming game against New Mexico State.

Caldwell has appeared in five games this season, making eight tackles and forcing one fumble. The senior appeared in 41 games and made 137 tackles (24 for a loss) entering this season.

The Rebels were without right guard Justin Bell (right ankle) and safety Tony Conner (right knee) last Saturday against Florida, while offensive guards Javon Patterson and Rod Taylor have been battling injuries.

Defensive tackles Isaac Gross (neck) and Herbert Moore (ACL) are also out for the season.

Contact Daniel Paulling at dpaulling@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @DanielPaulling on Twitter.