Should i start d ernest johnson

Table of Contents Show

• Start Browns RB D’Ernest Johnson In Fantasy?
• When Will Kareem Hunt Return?
• Need More Start vs. Sit Advice?
• Browns re-sign RB D'Ernest Johnson to one-year deal
• Running back D'Ernest Johnson, Browns agree to 1-year deal
• Browns add WR Cooper, release Landry at start of free agency
• NFL Today, Week 18
• Browns close season with 21-16 win over Burrow-less Bengals
• Browns' No. 2 QB Keenum admires Mayfield's 'gutsiest' season

Credit:

Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images. Pictured: Browns RB D’Ernest Johnson

Should you start Browns running back D’Ernest Johnson in fantasy football with Kareem Hunt still out?

Our fantasy football expert analyzes whether Johnson offers enough value to be a RB3/Flex or whether you should bench him for his Week 9 matchup against the Bengals (1 p.m. ET on Sunday).

Start Browns RB D’Ernest Johnson In Fantasy?

by Sean Koerner

Kareem Hunt is still at least a couple weeks away from returning, so Johnson has a chance to grow into the “Kareem Hunt role” before Hunt’s return, complementing Nick Chubb as the Browns’ workhorse running back.

Johnson netted 17% of the rush attempts and ran a route on 33% of dropbacks in Week 8. In order to move into the RB3/Flex discussion, however, I will first need to see him net a 30%+ rush attempts share and a 40%+ routes run rate.

Until he achieves both, he’s too touchdown-dependent to trust in our lineups.

Verdict: Sit D’Ernest Johnson in Week 9

When Will Kareem Hunt Return?

Kareem Hunt will be eligible to return from Injured Reserve as early as Week 10, but he is unlikely to play in the Browns’ matchup against the Patriots that week.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Oct. 18 — the day after Hunt sustained the calf injury in the Browns’ Week 6 loss to the Cardinals — that the “rough estimate” for Hunt’s return was four to six weeks.

If Hunt is able to recover in only four weeks, that would mean he returns in Week 11 for their home matchup against the Lions. If he needs the full six weeks, though, that would mean he returns in Week 14 for the home date with the Ravens as the Browns are on bye in Week 13.

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Mops up win Johnson had four carries for 17 yards in Monday's 32-13 win over Cincinnati in Week 8.

Impact Johnson was given his first rushing attempts of the season, all on the game's final drive as Cleveland iced the blowout win. The Browns snapped a four-game losing streak and resuscitated their season with the victory, which may have the organization thinking about improvements for a playoff run. That means either Johnson or Kareem Hunt, both in the final year of their contracts, could be moved by Tuesday's 4:00 pm ET trade deadline. If either of those events happen, Johnson's fantasy outlook should improve.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Could gain larger role soon Johnson's role with the Browns could change as rumors pick up about the team trading Kareem Hunt before next Tuesday's 4:00 pm trade dealine, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon J...

Impact The report doesn't get into specific trade partners interested in Hunt, but Cleveland is reportedly seeking a fourth-round draft pick as a starting point for discussions. Both Johnson and Hunt are on expiring contracts, making each of them a possible trade piece. Hunt's role has dwindled the last two weeks -- he has a total of 10 touches Weeks 6 and 7 after averaging more than 11 per game over the first five weeks. If the Browns trade Hunt, Johnson would move up to second on the depth chart. If Johnson is traded, the team trading for him presumably would have a bigger role waiting for him. Per usual, Johnson is listed as third at running back on the Browns' unofficial depth chart and as the primary kickoff returner for Monday night's game against the Bengals.

OCTOBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Gathers two catches in loss Johnson caught two of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's 38-15 loss to the Patriots in Week 6.

Impact Johnson had his most significant contributions, but he remains a fringe player on offense. As long as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are healthy, Johnson will play a limited role.

OCTOBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Limited to special teams Johnson played 15 snaps on special teams in Week 5's 30-28 loss to the Chargers.

Impact The Browns have kept Johnson under wrap the first five games of the season, making him inactive the first three weeks followed by mostly special-teams work (one offensive snap) in Weeks 4 and 5. And that work on special teams is not as a returner, despite Jerome Ford (ankle) being added to injured reserve. Cleveland's backfile duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have been dominant on offense, so Johnson has no clear path at this time. Either an injury to one of the top backs or a trade is Johnson's best hope.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Gets one offensive snap Johnson played one snap on offense and 17 snaps on special teams in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Falcons.

Impact Johnson, who was inactive the first two weeks, saw his first action on offense in Week 4. He also helped replace the injured Jerome Ford (ankle) on kickoff returns. With Ford hitting injured reserve Tuesday, the Browns listed Johnson as Ford's replacement on the team's unofficial depth chart for Week 5 against the Chargers.

OCTOBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

No offensive snaps Johnson played 15 special-teams snaps and did not line up on offense in Thursday's 29-17 win over the Steelers in Week 3.

Impact Johnson was active for the first time this season, as Demetric Felton was given the night off. He has experience as a returner, but the Browns did not have him return punts or kicks, choosing to use Chester Rogers on punts and Jerome Ford or David Bell on kickoffs. It's possible the Browns don't want to expose Johnson to injury as a returner, so that he could be used as a trade chip later in the season.

SEPTEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Suiting up Thursday Johnson is listed as active Thursday against the Steelers, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Impact For the first time this season, Johnson won't be a healthy scratch and instead will be available to the Browns offense. Still, reps will be tough to come by behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. In the seven games in which all three running backs were available last season, Johnson managed just seven touches for 38 yards from scrimmage on 28 offensive snaps.

SEPTEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Inactive again Johnson was inactive Week 2 against the Jets.

Impact Johnson opens the season with two inactive designations in the first two games. Both Demetric Felton and Jerome Ford have been active ahead of Johnson, as each have roles in the return game. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt healthy, having Johnson active may be seen as a luxury, but it should be noted he also has return experience and could replace either Felton or Ford.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Fumbles in preseason opener Johnson rushed for no gain on three attempts and lost a fumble in Friday's 24-13 preseason win over the Jaguars.

Impact Johnson got the start with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt sitting out the preseason opener, but the 26-year-old running back failed to capitalize on the opportunity. While Johnson played well when injuries cleared a starting role for him last season, his touches will likely be limited as long as Cleveland's top two backs are present and healthy, and this outing did little to bolster Johnson's case for more touches. He'll look to rebound against the Eagles on Aug. 21 in Cleveland's next preseason game.

AUGUST 12 • ROTOWIRE

Will D'Ernest Johnson have a bigger role for the Browns? Key questions for 2022 D'Ernest Johnson returns for a fourth season with the Browns in 2022, but his role remains unclear.

JULY 14 • CLEVELAND.COM

Browns re-sign RB D'Ernest Johnson to one-year deal

Running back D'Ernest Johnson is re-signing with the Browns after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $2.4 million contract.

JUNE 4

Running back D'Ernest Johnson, Browns agree to 1-year deal Running back D’Ernest Johnson agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns worth up to $2.43 million

JUNE 4 • SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM

Running back D'Ernest Johnson, Browns agree to 1-year deal

Running back D’Ernest Johnson agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns worth up to $2.43 million

JUNE 4 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Agrees to one-year deal Johnson and the Browns have reached an agreement on a one-year deal worth $2.43 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact Johnson was originally tendered by the Browns, which gave them the ability to match any other offer he received. Without any substantial offers, the running back has ultimately opted to take the deal with Cleveland. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt the primary two backs in the offense, Johnson projects to again be the next-man-up should either go down with an injury. He averaged 5.34 yards per attempt on 100 carries for the team in 2021 while finding the end zone three times.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

To be tendered by Browns Cleveland intends to tender Johnson at the right of first refusal number, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Impact The Browns will have the ability to match any offer Johnson receives from another team, setting him up for a one-year contract around $2.43 million unless more offers enter the mix. Johnson showed out well last season, recording three contests with over 100 scrimmage yards, and Cleveland appears to be prioritizing an intact backfield. Considering that Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt (ankle) combined to miss 12 games due to injury last year, Johnson's depth role could prove a vital one.

MARCH 11 • ROTOWIRE

Browns add WR Cooper, release Landry at start of free agency

After a disappointing 2021 season, the Browns head into free agency looking to plug holes — some bigger than others

MARCH 10 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

NFL Today, Week 18

NFL Today, Week 18

JANUARY 9 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Eclipses century mark in win Johnson rushed 25 times for 123 yards and a touchdown and brought in his only target for 10 yards in the Browns' 21-16 win over the Bengals on Sunday.

Impact With nothing to play for in terms of the postseason and backup Case Keenum helming the offense, head coach Kevin Stefanski opted to give some other reserves a chance to showcase their skills and Johnson cashed in nicely on the opportunity. The talented 25-year-old had already amply demonstrated his ability to serve as a legitimate lead back when called upon earlier this season, so his strong showing against a short-handed Bengals defense looking ahead to the playoffs wasn't completely surprising. Johnson finishes the season with 534 rushing yards and another 137 through the air, but with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in front of him, his path to meaningful playing time could well continue to hinge on injuries in front of him if he remains in Cleveland. However, Johnson is a restricted free agent, so there's certainly a chance he did enough this season to warrant interest from other clubs depending on the qualifying offer the Browns extend.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Browns close season with 21-16 win over Burrow-less Bengals

Case Keenum got his second win filling in for Baker Mayfield as the Cleveland Browns ended their dismal season with a 21-16 win over the playoff-bound Cincinnati Bengals

JANUARY 9 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Available for Week 18 Johnson is active for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Impact Johnson was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, and with Kareem Hunt (ankle) inactive, the stage is set for Johnson to be available to work behind Nick Chubb in the Browns' Week 18 backfield, with Demetric Felton on hand in reserve.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Set to play Johnson was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

Impact It'll be interesting to see how critical a role Johnson will play in the team's finale Sunday given Nick Chubb carries no injury designation after being limited in practice all week due to separate ribs and chest injuries. Typical backup Kareem Hunt, meanwhile, is listed as questionable with an ankle injury that has sidelined him since Week 14. Expect more clarification on the backfield usage prior to the team's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

JANUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Browns' No. 2 QB Keenum admires Mayfield's 'gutsiest' season

Case Keenum had a front-row seat to watch Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield play through injuries this season

JANUARY 5 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tests positive for virus Cleveland placed Johnson on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday after he tested positive for the virus, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact According to Jake Trotter of ESPN.com, Johnson is vaccinated, so he'll be eligible to come off the list as soon as he's deemed asymptomatic or is able to turn in consecutive negative test results at least 24 hours apart. He should have a shot at being reinstated to the roster prior to Sunday's game against the Bengals, though he'll almost certainly miss practice time while following the NFL's COVID-19 return-to-play protocol. Even if he gets cleared to suit up in the season finale, Johnson could be in store for a small role out of the backfield if both Nick Chubb (ribs) and Kareem Hunt (ankle) are able to play through their respective injuries.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

More snaps than Chubb Johnson carried five times for 13 yards and caught one of three targets for one yard in Monday's 26-14 loss to the Steelers. He also returned five kickoffs for 113 yards.

Impact Johnson was on the field for 39 snaps, nine more than starter Nick Chubb, who was apparently banged up earlier in the contest according to head coach Kevin Stefanski, per a report from Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Chubb managed to stay in the game, but Stefanski shied away from the running attack, and quarterback Baker Mayfield paid for it in the form of nine sacks and 11 quarterback hits. If Chubb is unavailable next week or the Browns choose to rest him, Johnson will be in line for a larger load Week 18 against the Bengals.

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Given five touches in loss Johnson had four carries for 58 yards and caught one of two targets for eight yards in Week 16's 24-22 loss to the Packers on Saturday.

Impact Johnson's day included a huge 3rd-and-10 conversion on which he rushed 30 yards to the Green Bay five-yard line and set up the Browns' final score. He served as Nick Chubb's backup for the third consecutive game with Kareem Hunt sidelined by an ankle injury and placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Johnson's seen exactly five touches in all three games, and he has emerged as a competent backup with starter potential in his third NFL season. He'll never usurp the primary role from Chubb, but Johnson is averaging 5.5 yards per carry during his career and hasn't taken the number of hits that other running backs have absorbed over 47 career games.

DECEMBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE