Stafon Johnson is in critical but stable condition after a more than seven-hour surgery that ended late Monday night, according to a press release from California Hospital in downtown L.A., where the operation occurred.??
The lengthy specialized surgery was required because of a threatened airway and "severe" injuries to Johnson's larynx, or voice box. The hospital says that his prognosis is "good."
Dr. Gudata Hinika, the trauma medical director at California Hospital, said in the release that it is unlikely Johnson will be able to return to the football field this season, but doctors are expecting a full recovery.
Johnson, a senior tailback from Compton, suffered the throat injury while lifting weights Monday morning at USC's Heritage Hall. He was rushed to California Hospital and almost immediately underwent the emergency surgery.
We'll have more information in the coming days as it becomes available, but in the meantime, we ask that you keep Johnson in your thoughts and prayers.
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