Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson probably could have played last week in the Tigers’ 56-3 rout of Arkansas.

However, while nursing an injured ankle, the Auburn coaching staff decided not to play the talented runner.

When Johnson returned to the field in the Tigers’ 40-29 win over Ole Miss this week, he told the Ledger-Enquirer that the extra week of rest really paid off:

“It was good last week to not have to go,” Johnson said. “That really saved me. This week I felt really good during practice and in pregame warm-ups.”

Johnson finished the game with 11 carries for 42 yards, but he did manage to find the end zone twice in the victory.

Aside from a fumble, Johnson said he was happy with his first game back in action:

“I’m pleased with the way I played but I feel like I could have done more,” Johnson said. “I had a fumble, which was unacceptable.”

Johnson figures to have a bigger role next week, when the Tigers host Vanderbilt.