Seahawks put starting CB Johnson on IR

The Seattle Seahawks will place starting right cornerback Dontae Johnson on injured reserve ahead of the season opener against the Denver Broncos, according to an NFL Network report.

Johnson was expected to replace departed star Richard Sherman in the defensive backfield, but he was added to the injury report late this week with a groin injury.

He'll be eligible to return after eight games.

Corner Neiko Thorpe and safety Tre Flowers were reported as options to start in Johnson's place.

Johnson, 26, was a fourth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014. After starting six games total through his first three seasons, Johnson started all 16 games last year. He signed with the Seahawks in April, after Sherman joined the 49ers.

Akeem King reportedly will be promoted to the 53-man roster in a corresponding move.

King, also a defensive back, was a seventh-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. He played in five games as a rookie but hasn't appeared since.