DAVID JOHNSON NEWS

Not expected to play Johnson (illness/thigh), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, is unlikely to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact Johnson didn't practice in any fashion this week while battling flu symptoms and a thigh injury, leaving the Texans pessimistic that he'll be ready to suit up Sunday. Officially confirmation on Johnson's status will arrive 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff, when the Texans release their inactive list. If Johnson is in fact out, Rex Burkhead would likely pick up additional work as the clear top option in the Houston backfield.

DECEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Latest news on Boston Scott, David Johnson affecting Week 13 start 'em, sit 'em decisions Boston Scott and David Johnson are both banged up heading into Week 13. Get the latest injury updates on those backs ahead of your fantasy s...

DECEMBER 4, 2021 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Uncertain for Sunday Johnson (illness/thigh) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Impact Though the questionable tag implies a player has a 50-50 shot at playing come game day, Johnson's inability to practice in any fashion Wednesday through Friday isn't a promising sign that he'll suit up. A final call on Johnson's status will come when the Texans unveil their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. In Houston's first game without both Mark Ingram (traded to New Orleans) and Phillip Lindsay (waived), Johnson (10 carries, three targets) and Rex Burkhead (12 carries, three targets) had a near-even split of the backfield touches in the team's Week 12 loss to the Jets, though Burkhead outsnapped Johnson by a 35-20 margin. If Johnson can't go Sunday, Burkhead would likely be in store for a larger share of the bye, though Royce Freeman could still be involved in the game plan as a secondary option out of the backfield.

DECEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Not seen at practice Johnson (illness/thigh) wasn't spotted at practice Friday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Impact The Texans' final Week 13 injury report which will be available later Friday should lend some clarity with regard to the running back's status. If Johnson is out or limited this weekend, Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman would be in line to see added backfield opportunities Sunday against the Colts.

DECEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Absent from practice Johnson (illness/thigh) isn't practicing Thursday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Impact Johnson is one of several Texans that will go down as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report due to an illness, though all reports to date have suggested that it isn't a team-wide COVID-19 outbreak. In any case, Johnson, who also picked up a thigh injury during Sunday's loss to the Jets, may need to get back on the practice field Friday as a limited participant to have a realistic shot at playing this weekend against the Colts. If cleared for that contest, Johnson would presumably be working in a backfield timeshare with Rex Burkhead.

DECEMBER 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as DNP on practice estimate Johnson (illness/thigh) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate.

Impact Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle notes that the Texans elected not to hold a practice Wednesday with several players (including Johnson) under the weather. Per Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston, the running back visited the medical tent this past Sunday against the Jets after limping off the field, but he was able to return to the game. We'll operate under the assumption that Johnson's listed thigh issue is related to that. A return to practice in any capacity Thursday would put him on track to play this weekend against the Colts.

DECEMBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

FSU's David Johnson in Louisiana today to check in on defensive lineman commit Coach YAC to check in on FSU DL commit

NOVEMBER 29, 2021 • 247SPORTS.COM

Racks up 12 touches in loss Johnson rushed 10 times for 39 yards and caught two of three targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Jets.

Impact Johnson got 12 touches to Rex Burkhead's 15, and the latter racked up 54 scrimmage yards compared to the former's 55. He limped to the blue medical tent at one point but returned without issue, per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. Considering the Jets entered the game as the league's most generous defense to running backs, matching even this output will be an uphill battle for Johnson in Week 13 against the Colts.

NOVEMBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Stymied on ground Johnson carried the ball 13 times for 18 yards in Sunday's 22-13 win over Tennessee. He added three receptions on four targets for 16 yards.

Impact The Texans narrowed their backfield usage to Johnson and Rex Burkhead, with Burkhead leading the way in terms of both touches and production. Even so, Johnson saw a season-high 13 carries -- the first time he received double-digit rush attempts in a game -- thanks in large part to a surprisingly positive game script. Despite the increased opportunity, Johnson averaged only 1.4 yards per carry. He found a bit more production as a receiver, and he's now managed multiple receptions in seven of his 10 contests this season. Even with a favorable Week 12 matchup against the Jets up next, Johnson has shown few signs of being a reliable producer.

NOVEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

40 total yards in loss Johnson rushed four times for 11 yards and secured three of five targets for 29 yards in the Texans' 17-9 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Impact Johnson saw backfield mate Phillip Lindsay double him up in carries, but he at least enjoyed a solid role as a pass catcher while his teammate wasn't targeted once. Johnson could well continue to work more as receiver than rusher, which may actually be a more fruitful path to fantasy production for him considering game script often turns against the run in the Texans' games due to their porous defense. Johnson will have a chance to try to build on his role in a Week 11 road matchup against the Titans following a Week 10 bye.

NOVEMBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Has season-low snap count Johnson had two carries for four yards and caught his lone target for minus-1 yard in Sunday's 38-22 loss to the Rams.

Impact Johnson (11 snaps) and Phillip Lindsay (eight) were expected to have elevated backfield roles following the trade of Mark Ingram, but that never materialized. Instead, Rex Burkhead rose to the top with 30 snaps, four targets and a touchdown. And to some extent, Scottie Phillips (15 snaps) got a bump as well. It's unclear how the game circumstances impacted the workload distribution, but to date, Johnson had received a consistent 25-30 snaps and played a significant role when Houston had fallen behind in games, as it did once again Sunday. With the Nov. 2 trade deadline approaching, there could be further shakeup in the backfield, although the unit as a whole is bleak.

NOVEMBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Fantasy football: 3 sleeper rest-of-season running backs, David Johnson vs. Philip Lindsay and more Alex Collins, Michael Carter and Elijah Mitchell are three undervalued fantasy targets ROS. Plus Johnson vs. Lindsay and more!

OCTOBER 29, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Added work likely on tap Johnson figures to see added touches going forward with Mark Ingram slated to be traded to the Saints, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact Phillip Lindsay is also a candidate to see added work in the wake of the move. It remains to be seen how the Texans redistribute Ingram's workload, but through seven weeks, he led the team with 92 carries for 294 yards and a TD, while Johnson logged 27 carries for 104 yards and Lindsay ran 38 times for 97 yards and a score. Johnson was already the team's primary pass-catching back and thus on the deeper PPR radar, so any uptick in rushing attempts will boost his chances at making a fantasy impact.

OCTOBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ekes out solid numbers Sunday Johnson carried the ball seven times for 25 yards and caught five of six targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 31-5 loss to the Cardinals.

Impact The Texans managed only 160 yards of total offense in the rout, but Johnson managed to provide nearly a third of them. The scrimmage yards were a season high for the veteran running back, but Houston's offense as a whole could find a little more life once Tyrod Taylor (hamstring) reclaims the starting QB job from rookie Davis Mills, something which could happen as soon as Week 8 against the Rams.

OCTOBER 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Just three touches in Week 6 Johnson rushed twice for seven yards and caught one of two targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 31-3 loss to Indianapolis. He also lost a fumble.

Impact Despite another negative game script, the Texans chose to commit to Mark Ingram (18 carries for 73 yards) on the ground as opposed to utilizing Johnson's receiving skills out of the backfield. With an inconsistent role in an offense that's failed to crack double-digit points in three of its last four games, Johnson will be tough to trust in Week 7 against the Cardinals and beyond.

OCTOBER 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Leads backs in snaps Johnson gained five yards on two carries and caught five of six targets for 46 yards in Sunday's 25-22 loss to New England.

Impact Johnson's 51 combined yards were a season high for the running back, who's carved out a legitimate role on passing downs, and he led Houston running backs Sunday with 31 snaps. Due to the team's poor record, it's needed a receiving threat in the backfield more often than not, so Johnson leads the position group in snaps and is second overall on the team with 16 targets, behind only Brandin Cooks (44).

OCTOBER 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Stays involved as receiver Johnson recorded five rushes for 21 yards in Sunday's Week 4 loss to the Bills. He added three receptions on four targets for 27 yards.

Impact Johnson nearly equaled Mark Ingram in carries, though Johnson out-touched Ingram thanks to his work as a receiver. The Texans' overall offensive struggles have capped individual player performances this season, and Johnson is no exception. He has yet to surpass 25 yards on the ground in a single game and has not broken 30 receiving yards despite logging multiple receptions in all but one contest this season. A matchup against New England in Week 5 isn't likely to do Johnson or the Texans' offense any favors.

OCTOBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Minimal role in Week 3 loss Johnson rushed twice for 11 yards and did not draw a target in the Texans' 24-9 loss to the Panthers on Thursday night.

Impact Johnson's modest role on the ground continued Thursday, and this time, he wasn't able to prop up his final numbers with some work in the passing game. The veteran back looks likely to be relegated to a primary pass-catching role in most contests, especially with backfield mates Mark Ingram and Phillip Lindsay outpacing him by four and five carries, respectively, Thursday.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Garners 47 total yards in loss Johnson rushed six times for 25 yards and secured both targets for 22 yards in the Texans' 31-21 loss to the Browns on Sunday.

Impact The veteran was second on the team in carries behind Mark Ingram but only outpaced No. 3 option Phillip Lindsay by one tote. Johnson's work in the passing game was solid, but as long as all three of the veterans are at full health, each will likely have a difficult time putting together noteworthy individual performances. Through two games, Johnson looks to be competing with Lindsay for pass-catching duties out of the backfield as opposed to challenging Ingram for carries, but that naturally could change over time. Johnson will hope for more overall involvement in a Week 3 Thursday night matchup against the undefeated Panthers.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Produces as receiver Johnson carried the ball three times for 10 yards in Sunday's Week 1 win over the Jaguars. He added three receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown.

Impact Johnson rotated with Phillip Lindsay as the team's second back, with both playing behind Mark Ingram. While Lindsay got more work on the ground, Johnson found his primary role as a receiver. His longest catch of the day went for nine yards, but he found the end zone on a seven-yard reception to put the Texans up 14-0 late in the first quarter. While Johnson's trip to the end zone aided his final line, the Texans' appear content to rely on Mark Ingram as the leader of the backfield heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Browns.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

NFL odds: 5 underdogs you need to bet on in Week 1

The Week 1 NFL betting market is not as straightforward as it looks to be, Jason McIntyre writes.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2021

Provides explosive play Johnson carried the ball four times for 30 yards in Saturday's preseason game against Tampa Bay.

Impact Johnson entered the game on the team's second possession behind Phillip Lindsay. He shared the drive with Mark Ingram, though Johnson proved to be more explosive by ripping of a 21-yard gain. Johnson was listed third on the team's depth chart during training camp, and some beat reports have suggested he may serve as the team's third-down back. However, Houston has among the most fluid roles among skill-position players around the league. That leaves it somewhat unclear exactly what type of usage Johnson will see in Week 1 vs. Jacksonville.

AUGUST 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Nearly invisible Saturday Johnson did not receive a carry and failed to catch his only target in Saturday's win over the Cowboys.

Impact The Texans used all three of Mark Ingram, Phillip Lindsay and Johnson in the first quarter before removing their starters, but it was the first two who saw most of the action, leaving only third-down scraps for DJ. This is shaping up to be a true backfield committee during the regular season, which would put a very firm ceiling on Johnson's fantasy value. Despite his apparent role as the primary pass-catching option among the trio, he may not see enough snaps to even be an asset in many PPR formats.

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Usage suggests third-down back Johnson could be the Texans' third-down back, Aaron Reiss of The Athletic reports.

Impact It would be foolish to make any definitive statements about the regular season based on a team's first preseason game, but when the first team offense was on the field in Saturday's preseason opener, Johnson entered the game on third downs. His lone carry was a third-down run in the red zone. The early downs were handled by Phillip Lindsay. And none of this factors in the potential role of Mark Ingram, who did not play Saturday, which is treatment befitting a starting running back and suggests a role for him when the season starts. Johnson's role may not be so narrow as seen in Preseason Week 1, but he's not expected to carry the same load he did in 2020. Prior to Johnson's Week 9 concussion, he and Dallas' Ezekiel Elliott led the position in offensive snap percentage.

AUGUST 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Listed behind Ingram and Lindsay The Texans' initial unofficial depth chart lists Johnson behind Mark Ingram and Phillip Lindsay, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact That said, given the success that all three backs have had at the NFL level at various times, it seems quite likely that Houston's backfield could turn into a committee situation in which weekly workload is determined by a hot-hand/matchup-based approach. While that's less than ideal from a fantasy perspective, a run-heavy attack out of the gate this season is plausible if Tyrod Taylor serves as the team's starting QB.

AUGUST 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE