Johnson (66) and Kuchar (68), who live about 100 miles away at Sea Island, Ga., and Na (69) were at 8-under 136.

They were one shot ahead of PGA Tour rookie Harris English, who birdied the 17th and 18th for a 67. English also lives at Sea Island.

Johnson´s 66 tied for a best round of the day. 

The group at 6 under includes 2004 Players champ Adam Scott, Charlie Wi, Jonathan Byrd, Brian Davis and Martin Laird, who held a share of the overnight lead but shot 73 on Friday. The other first-round co-leader, Ian Poulter, struggled to a 76.

Woods was in danger of missing his second straight cut until he ran off four straight birdies on his way to a 68. He was six shots behind.

His playing partner, Rickie Fowler, only made one par on the back nine in shooting a 69 that left him 3 under for the tournament.

World No. 2 Luke Donald, who had only made four eagles all year, had two in his round of 69 and joined Fowler at 3 under.

Phil Mickelson, who won the Players in 2007 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame on Monday, is also among the group at 2 under. Lee Westwood, who tied for fourth at the Players in 2010, is 3 under after Friday’s 70.

Rory McIlroy, the world's No. 1, wasn't so fortunate. He shot 76 and has failed to make the cut all three times he has played the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

Steve Stricker and defending champion K. J, Choi also missed a cut, posted at even par.