http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=458917
Mired in a CFL-worst 1-4 record, the Montreal Alouettes are looking for improvements in all facets of their game, including a bigger contribution on offence from Chad Johnson.
Alouettes head coach Tom Higgins didn't mince words regarding the high-profile receiver, who has just four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown this season.
"We're getting closer to the end than we are of the beginning if we don't start having better output," Higgins told reporters on Thursday as the team prepared for Friday's home game against Edmonton.
Higgins' warning comes just a day after Johnson's agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN that the 36-year-old is still hopeful for an NFL return.
"If they did (call), he would jump for it," Rosenhaus told ESPN on Wednesday. "Of course, he would love it. But right now, he's operating as a Canadian Football League player. We will see what happens. It's not like we're holding our breath that he's going to play in the NFL. But he's trying. That's the goal."
Rosenhaus added that Johnson, who signed a one-year contract with the Alouettes in April, is enjoying his stay in Montreal and being able to play.
"He just loves playing football," he continued. "Chad is a guy that will play football until he's 50 if they let him.
"He loves the game. He's really very passionate. He's got to do something with football, it's just his life. It really is. All his Twitter followers are enjoying him in Canada just like they would in the NFL. It's nice to see."