His stay was brief, but Charles Johnson has fond memories of Green Bay.

The Vikings receiver was selected by the Packers in the seventh round of the 2013 draft out of Grand Valley (Mich.) State. He began the season on their practice but five weeks later was signed by Cleveland and added to the 53-man roster.

“They loved me there; they didn’t want to let me go,” Johnson said. “(The Packers) tried everything to keep me from going, but I was like, ‘I need to get a new start.’ I’ve got no hard feelings against them at all.’’

Johnson said he wanted to move on after battling a number of injuries in Green Bay. He was placed on injured reserve by the Browns just four days after they signed him because of a knee injury.

In his third season with the Vikings, Johnson will play his second regular-season game at Green Bay on Saturday. In his first, he had his first career catch in a 42-10 loss on Oct. 2, 2014. Johnson was inactive for last year’s regular-season finale at Lambeau Field. Related Articles Gale Sayers, Bears Hall of Fame running back, dies at 77

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Johnson could play a significant role Saturday. He had five catches for 50 yards, his most receptions in a game since 2014, in last Sunday’s 34-6 loss to Indianapolis.

“We lost, so it didn’t really matter how many catches I had,” Johnson said.

Over the past four games, Johnson has 11 receptions for 104 yards; he had just seven for 101 yards in the first 10 games. He’s in line to become a restricted free agent in March. The Vikings would be able to match any offer for him.

“I’d love to stay here,” he said. “I’ve been here three seasons now, but it’s all up to what they want to do at the end of the day. I’ve just got to roll with the punches.”