Stafon Johnson

Hard-luck rookie running back Stafon Johnson dislocated his right ankle during the Tennessee Titans’ 20-18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in their preseason opener Saturday night.

Johnson was hit high and spun around by Seattle’s Kam Chancellor following a short reception on the final play of the third quarter. He then landed hard on his right leg.

As the Titans prayed on one knee nearby and coach Jeff Fisher held Johnson’s head, the running back was driven off the field while seated on the back of a cart. An air cast was on his lower right leg. He briefly held his hands over his face, then pointed toward the heavens.

Johnson’s final season at Southern California was ruined when a falling weight bar crushed his neck and larynx.

The Titans’ Twitter feed said the initial diagnosis is a dislocated right ankle, and Johnson’s teammates talked about the injury in somber tones after the game.

"All that stuff he has been through, we just have to be motivating for him and keep him in our prayers," Tennessee quarterback Vince Young said.