Courtesy Toronto Star:

Jeff Johnson spent his first Father’s Day as a father working a little harder than usual instead of relaxing around the barbecue.

With fellow non-import running back Andre Durie sidelined with what could be a broken thumb, Johnson was taking more reps than usual at the Toronto Argonaut training camp. But he’s not taking it for granted that this latest setback to the Argo running game might provide an opportunity to crack the starting lineup.

“Obviously, I don’t want to see anybody go down with an injury … but if I do get to touch the ball more, I’m ready,” the 31-year-old York University product said yesterday. “But I don’t really know what this means.”

It’s not hard to understand that. Three years ago, Johnson became the team’s starting tailback after a rash of injuries and put on an impressive performance.

He rushed for 136 yards on 18 carries, caught 14 passes for 272 yards and scored three touchdowns in three starts and appeared to be in line to challenge for the starting tailback position in 2006. But along came a guy named Ricky Williams and Johnson has found himself in a supporting role ever since.

Despite that he remains positive.

“I don’t think I’ve missed my chance,” he said.

He also believes the attitude toward Canadian running backs as blockers and back-ups is changing.

“Tailback is an American position in the CFL and I’m a Canadian,” said Johnson, whose wife Kelly and 8-month-old daughter Maya were at practice yesterday. “I see the day when that will change. It is slowly changing. Look at Hamilton with Jesse Lumsden.”

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