Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., on Tuesday backed away from comments questioning the authenticity of a photo released by Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

McConnell on Sunday revealed for the first time that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking his silence about his condition after weeks of mounting speculation about his health.

He also released a photo of him with his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, that featured him holding a copy of that day's Washington Post sports section.

"I've just heard from some other sources that was an older photo so I really don't know," Johnson said in an interview Monday.

"I haven't talked to Mitch. I certainly wish he and his family well," he added.

"I hope he can recover. It's sad to watch people age. I hope he can recover and come back and vote for the president's agenda."

Johnson later dismissed reports he questioned the authenticity of the photo as clickbait.

"Beware of clickbait — watch the full clip. Most importantly, I hope @SenMcConnell makes a full recovery and returns to the Senate," Johnson wrote on social media.

The Wisconsin senator later told reporters he had just heard a rumor.

"It was a rumor, don't — discount it, just discount it," Johnson said. "I just heard it, so assume it's false."

The 84-year-old McConnell, who previously served as leader of the Senate Republican caucus, has not voted in the Senate since June.

An investigation of the photo by The Washington Post determined the photo was taken on Sunday. An independent digital forensics expert told the Post there was no evidence the photo was fake.

Johnson said he has not spoken to McConnell.