Jaguars RB Travis Etienne handled 15 of 17 team RB opportunities in a Week 2 loss to Kansas City. Rookie Tank Bigbsy didn't see a carry or a target, as D'Ernest Johnson filled in as the RB2. Etienne tallied just 42 total yards, but the usage signals future RB1 lines. Next up is a home date with a Houston squad that allowed Zack Moss to post 18-88-1 rushing.
The Jaguars signed RB D'Ernest Johnson to a one-year deal. Johnson was excellent in a trio of spot starts back in 2021, posting 22-146-1, 19-99-0, and 25-123-1 rushing lines. He led all 50 qualifying RBs in 2021 Pro Football Focus rushing grades. Johnson got on the field for just 35 offensive snaps this past season, though, with both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt healthy. Johnson now joins JaMycal Hasty behind Travis Etienne in Jacksonville's backfield. Neither guy is likely to have standalone fantasy value. But, if Etienne misses time, we'd expect Johnson to lead in carries, with Hasty handling passing-down work.
Browns RB Nick Chubb (foot) was a no-go at practice for the 2nd day in a row. Tomorrow's practice report will provide the final word on Chubb's ability to suit up vs. the Saints on Saturday. If Chubb can't go in Week 16, it would be a big boost to both Kareem Hunt and potentially D'Ernest Johnson. We'll stay on top of this one. Losing a top back like Chubb in the fantasy playoffs would certainly be disappointing.
The Browns are willing to trade RB Kareem Hunt and are looking for a 4th-round pick in return, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Hunt is set to hit free agency in March and seems unlikely to re-sign with Cleveland. We'll see if a trade gets done before Tuesday's deadline. It'd likely be good news for Hunt's fantasy value. It'd also be a boost for RB Nick Chubb, while elevating D'Ernest Johnson to the #2 RB spot in Cleveland.
Browns RB Kareem Hunt has requested a trade, according to insider Mary Kay Cabot, but the team has already told him it won't happen. That could change, of course, especially if Hunt threatens to sit out regular-season games. We'll see where this goes. A move out of Cleveland would almost certainly help Hunt's fantasy value. It'd also be a boost for RB Nick Chubb and turn RB D'Ernest Johnson into a nice pick in the double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts.
ESPN’s Jake Trotter writes that Browns RB D'Ernest Johnson “could be the odd man out” in the backfield. Trotter points out that Johnson's due a reasonable $900K in guaranteed money, so the contract isn’t an issue. Cleveland also spent a Round 5 pick on Cincinnati RB Jerome Ford. In what could be a lost season for Cleveland — pending the length of Deshaun Watson’s suspension — it might make the most sense to get something in return for Johnson. Note that Kareem Hunt enters a contract season; Nick Chubb is signed through 2024.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns and RB D’Ernest Johnson have agreed to a 1-year deal worth up to $2.43 million. He’ll get ~900K in guaranteed cash. Johnson is currently Cleveland's third-string RB, but there's still a possibility -- albeit a small one -- that the team trades Kareem Hunt prior to Week 1.
Browns GM Andrew Berry commented on the skill set of 5th-round RB Jerome Ford. "We really think Jerome has a well-rounded game," Berry said. "A bigger guy who can really run. I actually think one of the areas in his game that’s probably a little bit understated is just his ability in the passing game. He’s a guy we think can generate explosive plays for us.” Browns scout Max Paulus added that Ford will work on his kick return ability this offseason. Of course, Ford’s more of a dynasty hold than a redraft sleeper. Behind Nick Chubb, the Browns return contract-year RB Kareem Hunt. As an RFA, D’Ernest Johnson was tendered this offseason, although he’s yet to put pen to paper. "I wouldn’t touch on any individual contract situation," Berry said. "We still think very highly of D’Ernest. Look, we would anticipate him being here moving forward, but we’ll see."
The Browns plan to tender restricted free agent RB D'Ernest Johnson at the "right of 1st refusal" level, according to multiple reports. That tells us the team wants to see what the market is for the 26-year-old RB and doesn't fear the prospect of losing him. We'll see what the market determines. Johnson, of course, delivered several big games with Nick Chubb and/or Kareem Hunt out last season. He has just 165 total touches through 4 pro seasons, though.
Browns RB Kareem Hunt (ankle) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Bengals. RB D’Ernest Johnson came off the COVID list earlier this week and will be the #2 RB behind Nick Chubb today.
Browns RB D'Ernest Johnson has been activated from the COVID list and is eligible to play vs. the Bengals on Sunday. We'll see if RB Kareem Hunt, who's questionable with his ankle injury, ends up playing.
Browns RB Kareem Hunt (ankle) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s finale vs. the Bengals. Cleveland has been eliminated from playoff contention and might not want to play Hunt at less than 100%. We’ll find out whether he’s active around 11:30 am ET on Sunday. RB D'Ernest Johnson was placed on the COVID list on Monday and remains there as of Friday afternoon.
Browns RB D'Ernest Johnson was placed on the COVID list on Monday. We'll see if he can get cleared in time for Sunday's finale vs. the Bengals. Johnson surprisingly out-snapped RB Nick Chubb 39 to 30 in the Week 17 loss to Pittsburgh but finished with just 14 yards on 6 touches. He'll be off the fantasy radar if RB Kareem Hunt returns from his ankle injury.
The Browns on Monday activated RB Kareem Hunt off the COVID list. He likely would have missed the Week 16 game with an ankle sprain anyway, and we'll have to watch that situation to see whether Hunt will be ready to play next Monday night at Pittsburgh. Cleveland also activated DE Jadeveon Clowney and S Ronnie Harrison -- among others -- from the COVID list, which should clear them to play Week 17.
Browns RB Kareem Hunt (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game vs. the Raiders. Believed to be dealing with a high-ankle sprain, he'll likely miss multiple games. RB Nick Chubb should get workhorse usage this weekend, while #2 RB D'Ernest Johnson could push for 10+ touches for the undermanned Browns.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski labeled RB Kareem Hunt "week to week" with his ankle injury and called him "unlikely" to play vs. the Raiders on Saturday. It sounds like Hunt could miss time beyond that. His absence will elevate D'Ernest Johnson to the #2 spot on the depth chart but ultimately mean more touches for RB Nick Chubb. In 3 games without Hunt this season, Chubb has averaged 17.3 carries and 1.7 targets. Johnson averaged 5.7 carries and 1 target across those 3 games.
Browns RB Nick Chubb has been activated from the COVID list, putting him on track to return for Sunday's game vs. the Lions. Chubb racked up 30 carries to D'Ernest Johnson's 12 across Weeks 8 and 9. We'd expect a similar split this weekend. The matchup vs. Detroit's 30th-ranked RB defense makes Chubb a RB1 and Johnson a RB3 or flex play.
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