Michael Johnson dealing with a sore back

Defensive end Michael Johnson isn't likely to play against the Tennessee Titans this weekend, sitting during most of the team's practices this week. It was somewhat ambiguous why he was resting, but according to Dan Hoard at Bengals.com, Johnson is dealing with a soreness in his back.

It's a cautious approach and Johnson should be fine with rest.

"Yes, I would say that," Johnson told me. "We’re really not supposed to say much about that type of stuff, but everything is going to be fine.

"I’m staying involved mentally. I’m in all of the meetings, all of the practices, and making sure that I’m doing all of the walkthroughs. I’m trying to make sure that I get mental reps and keep my focus on this team and make sure that everything is going in the right direction on the field and with my rehab as well."

Johnson is playing under a franchise deal, guaranteeing $11.175 million for this season before he becomes a free agent in 2014. And he's not complaining about that.

"Man, I’m from Selma, Alabama," Johnson told Dan Hoard. "I didn’t have everything that I wanted, but I had everything that I needed. It taught me that you don’t have to have the world to be happy and blessed. Sure you want to get as much as you can out of this game, but I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m going to go out and do what I love to do and make the most of it. It’s a nice sum for one year and a whole of people don’t see something like that in their whole lifetime. I’m going to continue to work my tail off."