Minnesota Gophers Legend Should See His Role in LA Expand Big Time

The Minnesota Gophers pulled off a second straight shutout on Saturday. Max Brosmer distributed the ball pretty evenly to his wide receivers. Daniel Jackson is the current standout, and Elijah Spencer had a solid afternoon. A former Gophers great is now in line to see a bunch more targets at the highest level.

Former Minnesota Gophers wideout Tyler Johnson steps into the spotlight for Los Angeles Rams

The former fifth round pick spend the first two years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a stop in Houston, Tyler Johnson re-signed for a second season with the Los Angeles Rams . He played in just one game last year, but hauled in a touchdown on three targets . He already has ten this year, and now is in line for a whole lot more.

Sean McVay’s wide receiver room took a hit after Week 1 when Puka Nacua suffered a serious knee injury . In the past, Matthew Stafford would have filled the stat sheet by targeting Cooper Kupp. That is no longer a possibility, either, as he too is dealing with an injury .

Johnson drew a start on Sunday, with Nacua out , and now will presumably be elevated to one of the team’s top wide receiver slots . The former Minnesota Gophers standout has never started more than three games in a season, and has just seven total starts in his career.

Through two games in 2024, TJ has 7 catches for 99 yards. Stafford targeted Kupp a team-high six times, before he went down. Someone will now need to pick up some of that production. No doubt the Minneapolis North graduate will get his opportunities.

Demarcus Robinson is a veteran, and Tutu Atwell has been with the Rams for the last four seasons. Jordan Whittington is a sixth round pick out of Texas and is the only other wide receiver on the roster. He has just a pair of catches to his credit this season.

Related: What We Learned About the Gophers in Week 3 Stomping of Nevada

This could be the opportunity that allows Johnson to carve out a more significant role in LA, even after his teammates return. In his 5-year NFL career , the Minnesota Gophers all-time receiving touchdowns leader has caught 57 passes (85 targets) for 636 yards and 3 touchdowns. Most of that damage was done with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

More must-reads:

• Wisconsin Student Section Arrived Late, Left Early vs No. 4 Alabama
• What We Learned About the Gophers in Week 3 Stomping of Nevada
• Max Brosmer Has His Coming Out Party as Gophers Boat Race Rhode Island