Lions placing Kerryon Johnson on IR after knee surgery

Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson is heading to injured reserve after undergoing a knee procedure Tuesday morning, head coach Matt Patricia said, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

By going to injured reserve, Johnson will be required to miss at least eight weeks. Patricia added that the Lions hope the runner can return this season.

Johnson left Week 7 with a knee injury and was initially deemed week-to-week. He has posted 3.3 yards per carry in six appearances this year, a far cry from the 5.4 yards per rush he averaged in his first NFL season.

Ty Johnson, a rookie drafted in the sixth round out of Maryland, is expected to handle starting duties while the former Auburn star is sidelined.