Injury to Spinal Cord Expected to Keep Clippers’ Johnson Sidelined 2 to 3 Weeks

Marques Johnson, the Clippers’ star guard-forward, will be sidelined for two to three weeks because of a spinal cord injury, the team said Friday.

Johnson was injured Thursday night during a collision with teammate Benoit Benjamin late in the first half of the Clippers’ 113-108 loss to Dallas.

Johnson was released from Daniel Freeman Hospital in Marina del Rey Friday morning after having been hospitalized overnight for observation and tests.

Dr. Tony Daly, the Clippers’ team physician, said Johnson had suffered a bruised spinal cord. “He’ll be sidelined two to three weeks, at which time his status will be re-evaluated,” Daly said.

With Johnson out and guard Larry Drew sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Clippers will have just 10 players for tonight’s game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Sports Arena.

Elgin Baylor, Clipper general manager, said he has not decided whether to sign anyone to fill in for Johnson. There is also a possibility that the Clippers may bring back rookies Steffond Johnson and Dwayne Polee, who were cut recently.