DAVID JOHNSON NEWS

28 receiving yards in finale Johnson had zero carries and gathered in both of his targets for 28 yards during Sunday's 10-7 loss to the Panthers.

Impact Johnson's modest numbers represented a season high in scrimmage yards as the Saints' offense posted yet another unremarkable outing. He also played just one more offensive snap than fellow backup running back Eno Benjamin (six). Over five games with New Orleans in 2022, Johnson recorded 12 carries for 24 yards and four receptions on four targets for 47 yards. These are by far the lowest marks of the 31-year-old's career outside of the 2017 season in which he suffered a season-ending wrist injury Week 1. Johnson joined the New Orleans practice squad in mid-November, and he was eventually signed to the active roster after Mark Ingram sustained a season-ending MCL tear in early December. With both of these aging veterans set to hit free agency, it's unlikely that either of them will factor into the Saints' future at running back.

JANUARY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Usage uptick in frigid win Johnson posted seven rushes for 16 yards and caught his only target for eight yards during Saturday's 17-10 win versus Cleveland.

Impact Johnson's workload bumped up in the Saints' ground-and-pound offensive game plan Week 16. He also caught a pass over the middle on third down to keep New Orleans' second drive of the game going. However, the No. 2 running back still finished third in rushing attempts, as versatile quarterback Taysom Hill (nine snaps) and Alvin Kamara (20 snaps) led the team's option rushing attack. With third-string running back Eno Benjamin exclusively filling in on special teams during the absence of Dwayne Washington (illness), fullback Adam Prentice was the only other New Orleans back to record any carries with two. Johnson should continue to see the bulk of the limited carries at running back behind Kamara in Week 17 versus Philadelphia.

DECEMBER 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Coughs up fumble in win Johnson tallied four carries for 12 yards and lost a fumble during Sunday's 21-18 win over the Falcons.

Impact Johnson got off to a solid start in his first outing as the Saints' new No. 2 running back, logging four carries through the midpoint of the second quarter, but he committed the team's lone turnover when he fumbled in the red zone before halftime. While Johnson did not see a carry for the remainder of the contest, he was still the only running back to log any offensive snaps (18) other than starter Alvin Kamara (34), as Eno Benjamin (coach's decision) and Dwayne Washington (illness) were both inactive. Johnson's usage prior to the turnover is an encouraging sign, but it's possible the mistake could cost him snaps when Benjamin and/or Washington are active.

DECEMBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Serving as No. 2 back Sunday Johnson is slated to serve as the top backup to starting running back Alvin Kamara in Sunday's game against the Falcons, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Impact With Eno Benjamin (coach's decision) and Dwayne Washington (illness) inactive for the contest and with Mark Ingram (knee) on injured reserve, the Saints won't have any true running backs available this week beyond Kamara and Johnson. Even though Johnson is seemingly well positioned to fill Ingram's change-of-pace role behind Kamara, that doesn't necessarily mean that Johnson will enter the backfield whenever Kamara leaves the field. The Saints will have a fullback (Adam Prentice) active for the game that they can turn to in pass protection, and jack-of-all-trades tight end/quarterback Taysom Hill is also likely to get a few carries behind Kamara.

DECEMBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Signed to active roster The Saints signed Johnson from the practice squad to the 53-man roster Monday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Impact Johnson was elevated from the practice squad for Week 11 and rushed once for negative four yards and caught his only target for 11 yards across 10 offensive snaps. Mark Ingram is expected to miss at least a month after tearing his MCL during the Saints' Week 13 loss to Tampa Bay, so in his absence, Johnson figures to provide depth behind Alvin Kamara and Dwayne Washington.

DECEMBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Moves back to practice squad Johnson reverted to the Saints' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Impact Johnson was elevated at the first possible opportunity after signing with New Orleans' practice squad Wednesday, hauling in his lone target for 11 yards and rushing once for a four-yard loss Week 11. The veteran running back also played 10 of the team's 57 offensive snaps, slotting in behind Alvin Kamara (40) and ahead of special teamer Dwayne Washington (six). Johnson should stand to see similar usage if No. 2 running back Mark Ingram (knee) remains out Week 12 against San Francisco.

NOVEMBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Two touches in NOLA debut Johnson notched one carry for minus-4 yards and gathered in his only target for 11 yards during Sunday's 27-20 victory against the Rams.

Impact Johnson saw a minimal role while playing 10 offensive snaps in his first game with the Saints. The 30-year-old served as the team's No. 2 running back with Mark Ingram (knee) sidelined for the third straight game, as Dwayne Washington once again primarily played on special teams. However, Johnson still played an extremely limited role behind Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill, who combined for 21 carries against the Rams. Expect Johnson to be elevated from the practice squad again if Ingram remains out in Week 12 against the 49ers.

NOVEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Lands in Big Easy Johnson was elevated to the Saints' active roster Saturday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Impact The last time fantasy managers saw Johnson, the veteran was toiling away in the 2021 Texans backfield averaging a miniscule 3.4 yards per carry across 67 totes. The 30-year-old didn't draw much interest throughout the offseason, but he has a chance to receive a few carries with usual backup Mark Ingram (knee) out for Sunday's game.

NOVEMBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Lands with Saints' practice squad The Saints signed Johnson to their practice squad Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Johnson had previously met with the Saints in the offseason for an extended tryout, only to come away from the meeting without a contract. He's been on the open market ever since, but he'll finally end up in New Orleans following his most recent visit with the team. Though Johnson will initially be part of the practice squad, he could be a candidate to get elevated to the roster in advance of this Sunday's game against the Rams. The Saints are uncertain to have top backup Mark Ingram (knee) available as a depth option behind starter Alvin Kamara, and Johnson may represent a better alternative for the No. 2 role than Dwayne Washington, who is on the roster mainly for his contributions on special teams. Johnson spent the 2021 season in Houston, where he averaged a career-low 3.4 yards on 67 carries to go with 32 receptions for 225 yards over 13 games.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Eight touches in season finale Johnson had five carries for 28 yards and caught three of four targets for eight yards in Sunday's 28-25 loss to Tennessee.

Impact Johnson had missed four of the previous five games due to a quad injury and stints on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He played 17 snaps, well behind Rex Burkhead, who ascended as the team's top back over the second half of the season. When healthy, Johnson was the team's third-down back, and he finished with 32 catches on 42 targets for 225 yards and a touchdown. As a runner, he carried 67 times for 228 yards without a touchdown. He will enter the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, and it's uncertain, probably unlikely, that the Texans bring him back. The backfield needs a serious upgrade -- Houston finished 32nd in rushing in 2021 after ranking 31st the previous year. And that's just one issue facing the Texans, who need to make a decision on head coach David Culley and navigate the likely trade of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Johnson may represent unwanted memories of the previous regime under Bill O'Brien, so look for him to ply his trade for another team in 2022.

JANUARY 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Off COVID list Houston activated Johnson (illness) off the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

Impact Johnson was previously dealing with a quadriceps issue before landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list Dec. 27, but he wasn't listed on Wednesday's estimated practice report with an injury. As a result, Johnson is on track to play in Sunday's season finale against the Titans, but he may have to play second fiddle to Rex Burkhead, who has averaged 5.2 yards per carry on 38 totes over the past two weeks. Royce Freeman is also on the roster as a depth option.

JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Remains on COVID list Johnson (quad) remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Impact Until Johnson, who had previously been dealing with a quad issue, clears the NFL's COVID protocols, Rex Burkhead is in line to continue to head the Texans' rushing attack, with Royce Freeman also in the mix to log complementary touches out of the team's backfield and Jaylen Samuels available in reserve.

JANUARY 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Added to COVID-19 list The Texans placed Johnson (quadriceps) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday.

Impact According to Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle, Johnson landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of the Texans' Week 14 loss to the Seahawks, but he was quickly cleared to return to the roster after his initial test result was deemed a false positive. Johnson appears to have a true positive test this time around, which could make it a challenge for him to gain clearance ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers. Johnson had already sat out the Texans' Week 16 win over the Chargers due to the quad injury, allowing Rex Burkhead (22 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns, two catches for zero yards) to seize hold of a lead role out of the backfield. Burkhead's big game likely leaves him as the Texans' preferred option heading into Week 17, regardless if Johnson is ultimately cleared to play or not.

DECEMBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sidelined for Week 16 Johnson (quadriceps) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Impact Despite not practicing all week due to the quad issue, Johnson was listed as questionable heading into Sunday, though the Texans never had much optimism he would suit up. With Johnson out of the mix, Houston is left with Rex Burkhead, Royce Freeman and Jaylen Samuels as its options out of the backfield. Burkhead is the leading candidate to pace the Houston backs in touches and snaps.

DECEMBER 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Week 16 Johnson (quad) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after not practicing this week, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Per Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston, despite the official 'questionable' designation, Johnson isn't expected to play in Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET contest. If that's the case, Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman would be in line to head the Texans' Week 16 backfield.

DECEMBER 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Misses another practice Johnson (quad) remained sidelined at practice Thursday.

Impact Back-to-back listed absences Wednesday and Thursday set the stage for what Johnson is able to do Friday to be pivotal with regard to his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Chargers. If he's out or limited this weekend, added Week 16 opportunities would be available for Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman.

DECEMBER 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with quad issue Johnson was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's walk-through due to a quad issue.

Impact Coach David Culley relayed earlier Wednesday that Johnson picked up an injury during the Texans' Week 15 win over the Jaguars, which helps explain why the running back only logged six carries in the contest, while Rex Burkhead paced the team with 16 rushing attempts. Johnson now has two more chances to get on the practice field prior to Sunday's game against the Chargers.

DECEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Missing practice Wednesday Johnson, who suffered an unspecified injury during Sunday's win over the Jaguars, isn't slated to practice Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Impact With that, there's context that helps explain why Johnson logged just six carries in Week 15, while Rex Burkhead led the way with 16 rushing attempts. If Johnson ends up out or limited Sunday against the Chargers, added touches would be available for both Burkhead and Royce Freeman.

DECEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Logs seven touches in win Johnson had six carries for 24 yards and caught his lone target for three yards in Sunday's 30-16 win over Jacksonville.

Impact Johnson returned to the field after missing one game while on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He played just 12 snaps, second amongst running backs behind Rex Burkhead's 38. The Texans don't have a hotshot prospect back to groom, so veterans like Johnson and Burkhead should play out the season. If Scottie Phillips (ankle) gets healthy enough, he could steal snaps and touches from either one.

DECEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Could be joined by Burkhead Johnson could have some unexpected competition in the backfield with Rex Burkhead (hip) listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Brooks Kubena of The Houston C...

Impact Head coach David Culley apparently got ahead of himself earlier this week when he said Burkhead wouldn't play. The veteran back is now listed as questionable, potentially setting up a three-way committee between him, Johnson and Royce Freeman. There's also still a decent chance Burkhead sits out, in which case Johnson would retain his fantasy appeal for Week 15. It becomes far less appealing with Burkhead involved, even in the favorable matchup.

DECEMBER 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Tabbed as lead back this week Head coach David Culley announced Wednesday that Johnson will be the Texans' primary running back this Sunday against the Jaguars, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 AM Houston reports...

Impact With Rex Burkhead (hip) ruled out for Week 15 and special teamer Scottie Phillips (ankle) still on injured reserve, the Texans are left with Johnson, Royce Freeman and practice-squad player Darius Jackson as backfield options for the Week 15 clash between AFC South basement dwellers. Johnson missed Week 13 with flu-like symptoms and a thigh injury and then sat out Week 14 due to a brief stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he seems to be healthy as the Texans begin practicing for Week 15.

DECEMBER 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared from COVID-19 list The Texans activated Johnson from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday.

Impact Though he didn't carry a designation into the past weekend after a one-game absence due to an illness and a thigh injury, Johnson was ruled out less than two hours prior to Sunday's eventual 33-13 loss to Seattle after he was placed on the list. Johnson's activation just one day later suggests that his placement on the list may have been the result of a false positive test, but in any case, he's on track to make his return to the lineup Week 15 in Jacksonville. Johnson could be in store for a larger share of the backfield work against the Jaguars than he enjoyed prior to his two-game absence, as his main competition for reps, Rex Burkhead, is uncertain to play this weekend after exiting early in the loss to Seattle.

DECEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Placed on COVID list, out Sunday Johnson (undisclosed) has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Texans.

Impact With Johnson unavailable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, the Texans' Week 14 backfield duties are slated to be handled by Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman.

DECEMBER 12, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to full practice Johnson (illness/thigh) practiced fully Wednesday.

Impact Johnson was inactive for this past Sunday's 31-0 loss to the Colts after not practicing leading up to the contest, but his full session Wednesday paves the way for him to rejoin the lineup this weekend against the Seahawks. In his looming return to action, Johnson figures to re-enter a timeshare with Rex Burkhead, with Royce Freeman a candidate to mix in behind them. In that context, Johnson -- who ran 23 times for 57 yards and caught five of his seven targets for 32 yards over his last two outings for the 2-10 Texans -- profiles as a speculative fantasy option in PPR formats.

DECEMBER 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Inactive Sunday Johnson (illness/thigh) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Impact With Johnson inactive, Rex Burkhead, Royce Freeman and Jaylen Samuels (elevated from the practice squad Saturday) are available to handle the Texans' Week 13 backfield duties. In that context, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston suggests that Burkhead will work as the team's primary back Sunday, with Freeman -- who started the season with Carolina -- poised to see his first touches on offense in a Houston uniform.

DECEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE