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Andre Johnson getting used to being a backup in Tennessee

Andre Johnson, Tahir Whitehead

FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2016, file photo, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Andre Johnson (81), defended by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), catches a 9-yard pass for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, in Detroit. Andre Johnson finds himself in a new role in Tennessee, the third team in his storied career. The man with so many catches and touchdowns in Houston still is managing to come up with the big catch when needed for the Titans as they prepare to host Oakland. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez, File)

AP

It took Andre Johnson some time to even find a job this offseason.

So having to get used to not being a starter doesn’t seem like that much of a stretch, at least not after catching a game-winning touchdown for the Titans last week.

It’s a new role for me,” the veteran wide receiver said, via the Associated Press. “In the beginning, it could be really frustrating because it’s something you’re not used to. But when you’re able to go out and make a play like that to help your team win a game, it makes it all worth it.”

Johnson has more catches and more receiving yards than any active player in the NFL, but he’s behind Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe on the Titans depth chart. But none of that mattered last week, when he was on the other end of Marcus Mariota’s fourth-down pass to win the game.

“Andre, his play his entire career gives any quarterback a whole lot of confidence,” Mariota said. “So for me, it doesn’t matter who’s out there. I trust every one of those guys. They put in a lot of hard work throughout the week. But Andre’s level of play, it’s easy to throw the ball.”

Johnson didn’t show any signs of his old form last year in Indianapolis, but he’s fallen into a comfortable spot with the Titans, and even if he isn’t a starter, he’s still making plays.