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PHOENIX -- Suns forward P.J. Tucker had surgery on his lower back Thursday and is expected to be out six to eight weeks.Dr. Dennis Crandall performed the microdiscectomy procedure.The Suns open the season Oct. 26.Tucker averaged 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 82 games last season.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Will Middlebrooks Jersey . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. Jim Thome Jersey . Nigeria beat surprise package Ethiopia 2-0 in the second leg of their playoff for a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory. Victor Moses converted a 20th-minute penalty after an Ethiopian handball, and Victor Obinna made certain of Nigerias place in Brazil with his powerful free kick in the 82nd at UJ Esuene Stadium. http://www.philliesrookiestore.com/ . -- Jaye Marie Green shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday to increase her lead to five strokes after the second round of the LPGA Tours qualifying tournament. Francisco Rodriguez Jersey . -- Matt Kuchar and Harris English ran away with the Franklin Templeton Shootout, shooting a 14-under 58 on Sunday in the final-round scramble to break the tournament course record. Carlos Santana Jersey . The Dane followed up his first European Tour title last weekend with eight birdies and just a single dropped shot on Thursday for a one-stroke advantage over South Africas Allan Versfeld and Portugals Ricardo Santos. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- While Leonard Johnson may not be able to save Carolinas struggling secondary on his own, the veteran nickel cornerback has brought some needed energy -- and some playmaking ability -- to a group still looking for an identity after losing All-Pro Josh Norman to free agency this past offseason.Johnson was stellar in his first game with the Panthers last Sunday with eight tackles, a sack and pass breakup in 30-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals.But it was his all-in emotional intensity that teammates said made the biggest impact.He brought electricity, said defensive tackle Kawann Short.Teammates noticed Johnsons upbeat personality when he joined the team for training camp -- even though he was rehabbing on the side with trainers.Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman thought enough of the 5-foot-10 Johnson to sign him as a free agent in July even though he was still working back from a torn Achilles. During rehab, Johnson would wear game pants -- rather than just athletic shorts -- to practice, a reminder to himself of his desire to get back on the field.Hes hungry -- and I like that, Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said.Johnson stepped into a secondary that had allowed Matt Ryan and Drew Brees to throw for a combined 968 yards and eight touchdowns in two of the three previous games.It didnt take long for Johnson to make an impact Sunday.I noticed it right away, Rivera said. I was like, `OK, hes getting into it. And he was into it. And he was definitely chatty. You could hear him out there. He says some pretty outlandish things in terms of getting after guys and challenging guys. He does bring that energy.Sometimes too much energy.Johnson would have had two sacks on Sunday had he not been flagged for unnecessary roughness when he ripped the quarterbaack Carson Palmers helmet from his head.dddddddddddd That cost the Panthers 15 yards -- and Johnson a $9,175 fine from the league for an illegal hit.He apologized to his teammates at the time, but they simply told him to keep playing hard and bring the energy.He did just that.He brought juice, linebacker Luke Kuechly said. Leonard has love for the game and thats good to have.Added safety Kurt Coleman: Whether he was trying to make a play or trying to hustle to the play, he was full out. Was he perfect? No. But he made a lot of things happen. It was just a great addition to what we strive to be, a team that is running to the ball to make things happen.Rivera said the Panthers have been looking for a slot cornerback similar to Captain Munnerlyn, who left to join the Minnesota Vikings as an unrestricted free agent following the 2013 season.They think they have finally found that replacement in Johnson. Hell get another shot Sunday on the road vs. the Rams.Its only been one game, but hes done some really good things, Rivera said. You can also tell he was rusty. We just feel if we continue to grow and things get better, he can be a big part of what we want to do on defense.Game notes Left tackle Michael Oher (concussion), center Ryan Kalil (shoulder), linebacker Shaq Thompson (knee), cornerback Daryl Worley (elbow) and defensive tackle Vernon Butler (ankle) did not practice Thursday and their status is uncertain for Sundays game against the Rams is uncertain. Kuechly was held out of practice as a precautionary measure with a groin injury, but Rivera said he should be back to work on Friday.---AP NFL website: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '