Linebacker Derrick Johnson’s streak of Pro Bowl selections ended at three last year, as he missed 15 games after tearing an Achilles’ tendon in the season opener. The Kansas City Chiefs clearly missed his presence, as they allowed 127.3 rushing yards yards per game (28th in the league) and 4.7 yards per carry (30th in the league) last season, but Johnson was healthy enough to participate in OTAs and he seems to be ready for the start of training camp.

Johnson told the Chiefs’ official website that he is “itching to get back” to football and that he “can’t wait” for training camp, which is understandable but also goes against what most 11-year veterans would say that about camp. Johnson will again be one of the starting inside linebackers for the Chiefs this year, and the team’s leading tackler last year (Josh Mauga-103 total tackles) is slated to start alongside him right now. With outside linebackers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali rushing the passer, Kansas City is in line to have one of the top linebacker groups in the league this year.

Offseason workout groups are common now, and Johnson said he will be gathering in Austin, Texas with some other current and former University of Texas football players. But the 32-year old seems to be realistic about what he needs to do to be ready to go, suggesting he’ll be smart with his training while also pushing himself to be ready to go for the start of training camp on Aug. 1.

Johnson’s $5.2 million salary cap hit for this season brought some speculation early in the offseason that the cap-strapped Chiefs would consider cutting him, which team chairman Clark Hunt quickly dismissed. But Johnson is entering the final year of his contract, and if he struggles to recapture his previous form 2015 could be his last season in Kansas City.

An Achilles’ tear is obviously a major injury, especially for a player his age, so how fast and explosive Johnson looks during training camp practices will surely be watched closely by media and fans. But since he’s not battling for a roster spot or a starting job, I expect Johnson’s activity level to be limited some during camp as he gets completely back into football shape.

Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.