D'ERNEST JOHNSON NEWS

Week 7 fantasy football rankings, projections and sleepers: Weekend update and best Halloween candy With six teams on bye, Jake Ciely's Week 7 rankings are the most important thing you'll ever read all week long. Good luck!

OCTOBER 23, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Backup plan: Browns can trust Keenum with Mayfield injured

Cleveland played without quarterback Baker Mayfield and running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt on Thursday night because of injuries

OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thursday Night Football top plays: Broncos fall to short-handed Browns

Case Keenum and the Browns defeated the Broncos 17-14 on Thursday Night Football. Here are the top plays!

OCTOBER 22, 2021

Shines in Week 7 spot start Johnson rushed 22 times for 146 yards and a touchdown and brought in both targets for 22 yards in the Browns' 17-14 win over the Broncos on Thursday night.

Impact Johnson stole the show in his start in place of Nick Chubb (hamstring) and Kareem Hunt (IR-hamstring), repeatedly gashing the tough Broncos front seven for sizable gains on the ground. The third-year pro, who'd flashed occasionally during his time with the Orlando Apollos of the AAF back in the spring of 2019 but had seen very modest opportunities since joining the Browns later that same year, averaged a robust 6.6 yards per carry and notched his first career NFL touchdown on a four-yard run to cap off a five-play, 75-yard opening drive. Johnson could still see a solid workload as Chubb's main backup if the latter is ready to suit up for a Week 8 home AFC North showdown against the Steelers a week from Sunday.

OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Keenum, 3rd-string back Johnson lead Browns past Broncos

Case Keenum stepped in for Baker Mayfield and made the most of his first start in two years, leading Cleveland’s injury-ravaged offense and the Browns to a 17-14 win over the Denve...

OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miller injures ankle, Broncos slide to 4th straight loss

Broncos star linebacker Von Miller left Thursday night’s game against the Browns late in the first half with an apparent left leg injury

OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

In line to start Thursday Johnson is slated for his first career start Thursday versus the Broncos after Nick Chubb (calf) was ruled out and Kareem Hunt (calf) went on IR, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Since joining the Browns in May 2019 after a stint with Orlando in the AAF, Johnson has been active for all 40 of the team's games, including postseason. Overall, his 40 rushes have gone off at a clip just shy of 5.0 YPC, and he's also hauled in 10 of 12 targets for 92 yards. Cleveland has a decision to make with Baker Mayfield and his left non-throwing shoulder for Week 7, but even if he plays the team could opt to be more more ground-based to keep pressure off the fourth-year quarterback. In any case, Johnson seems poised to be the Browns' runner on early downs, Demetric Felton likely will be the change-of-pace option, and John Kelly sits at third on the RB depth chart as long as Chubb and Hunt are sidelined.

OCTOBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Browns star RB Chubb to miss second game with calf injury

The NFL’s top rushing team has run into major trouble

OCTOBER 19, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups 2021: Fantasy Football Players You Need to Add Even if you're staring down the barrel of an 0-6 or 1-5 start, it's never too late to turn around your season. Making savvy additions on the...

OCTOBER 18, 2021 • FANDUEL.COM

Two touches Sunday Johnson carried the ball once for two yards and caught his only target for seven yards in Sunday's 37-14 loss to the Cardinals.

Impact Despite the fact Nick Chubb (calf) was inactive, Johnson didn't see much of a role behind Kareem Hunt in the Cleveland backfield. However, Hunt also left Sunday's game with a calf issue after coming into the contest already dealing with wrist and knee injuries, and if neither of the Browns' two elite RBs are able to suit up for a Week 7 clash with the Broncos, Johnson could find himself with a significant role, perhaps as the early-down option with rookie Demetric Felton handling passing downs.

OCTOBER 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

In line for increased snaps Johnson will serve as the second running back on the depth chart in Sunday's game against Arizona.

Impact Nick Chubb (calf) has been ruled out of the game, which creates an opportunity for Johnson, who has played just eight snaps on offense in 2021. Kareem Hunt is slated to take the lead back role, but he was hampered by knee and wrist injuries during practice. Should those injuries hinder Hunt or get aggravated during the game, Johnson and Demetric Felton are poised to step in. Sunday's kickoff is at 4:05 PM ET.

OCTOBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Use on special teams only Johnson did not have an offensive snap and was on the field for 19 snaps on special teams during Sunday's 14-7 win over Minnesota.

Impact This was second time in four games with no offensive snaps for Johnson, who has a total of eight snaps and two carries through four games. He'd likely be first in line for duty should anything untoward happen to Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt. Rookie Demetric Felton has more offensive snaps than Johnson, but the veteran has more time in the system and is a more traditional running back, while Felton is viewed more as a specialty tool.

OCTOBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Gets first carries Johnson had two carries for nine yards in Sunday's 26-6 win over Chicago.

Impact Johnson was part of the grouping that came in on for the final series of the game. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt helped seal the game, as Cleveland posted 13 fourth-quarter points and rested its regulars while Johnson got his first carries of the season.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Plays on special teams Johnson did not play on offense and was on the field for 16 special teams snaps in Sunday's 33-29 loss to the Chiefs.

Impact It's not surprising Johnson didn't get a snap on offense, as he sits behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. It was uncertain entering the game if he would have a role as a returner, but he watched rookie Demetric Felton handle the return duties on kickoffs and punts Week 1.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Gets first reps Johnson rushed four times for 36 yards and caught four of five targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 17-13 preseason win over the Giants.

Impact Johnson was Cleveland's first tailback to feature Sunday, and he did well with his workload. Along with totaling nearly 60 total yards, Johnson also recovered a fumble by quarterback Kyle Lauletta. Although John Kelly impressed with nine carries for 58 yards and a touchdown after Johnson exited, the USF product at least helped himself heading into what could be a crucial preseason finale next Sunday in his quest to earn a roster spot behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Back with team Johnson (personal) is back with the team at training camp, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.

Impact Johnson has been getting most of his work in camp as a returner. He's joined by Donovan Peoples-Jones, JoJo Natson, Ryan Switzer and Demetric Felton as potential return men.

AUGUST 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Away from team Johnson wasn't present for the start of training camp Wednesday while attending the birth of his first child, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Impact Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said Johnson should return to the team by the end of the week.

JULY 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Plays familiar role in playoff loss Johnson did not play on offense and returned two kickoffs for 37 yards in Sunday's 22-17 playoff loss to Kansas City.

Impact Johnson was a distant third on the depth chart behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt all season while appearing in all 16 regular-season games and both playoff contests. He had 33 carries for 166 yards while playing 81 snaps. Both Chubb and Hunt are under contract for 2021, so no change is expected for the running back depth chart. Johnson will be the primary kick and punt returner entering 2021 training camp, but teams typically bring in other candidates to challenge for return jobs.

JANUARY 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Returns all kicks Johnson returned three kickoffs for 79 yards and two punts for 13 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Jets.

Impact Johnson is normally Cleveland's kickoff returner, but he took on an added role on punt returns Sunday with Donovan Peoples-Jones added to the COVID-19 list for the game.

DECEMBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Ready for Week 16 Johnson (groin) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jets, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Impact The 24-year-old was limited by the groin injury at the start of the week, but he put in a full practice Friday to avoid the questionable tag. Johnson should handle kick return duties and work as Cleveland's No. 3 running back behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt on Sunday.

DECEMBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with groin injury Johnson (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Impact Johnson ran out last Sunday's win over the Giants to provide Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt with some rest, logging four carries for 24 yards, but he appears to have gotten nicked up in the process. He'll have two more chances to upgrade his activity ahead of Week 16's road game against the Jets.

DECEMBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Finishes game Johnson had four carries for 24 yards and returned one kickoff for 16 yards in Sunday's 20-6 win over the Giants.

Impact Johnson had his first carries since Week 8, finishing the game on the Browns' final drive rather than risk injury to either Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt. Since Chubb returned from an injury following a Week 9 bye, Johnson's been relegated to kick return duty.

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Makes special teams impact Johnson averaged 31 yards on three kickoff returns in Sunday's 27-25 win over Jacksonville.

Impact Johnson, who played three snaps as a running back, has fallen off the offensive radar since Nick Chubb returned from a knee injury, but he's resurfaced as the Browns' primary kick returner. He had 43-yard and 32-yard returns that put the Browns in position to respond to Jacksonville scores with their own points. As long as Chubb and Kareem Hunt stay healthy, Johnson will have to make contributions on special teams.

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Little use on offense Johnson played one snap on offense and five special-team snaps in Sunday's 22-17 win over the Eagles.

Impact While the Browns have become a run-dominant team, all the attention goes to Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Johnson's played one offensive snap since Chubb's return to the active roster Week 10. Johnson did lead the team in kickoff returns Sunday, getting two chances (40 yards) while rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones had one (30 yards).

NOVEMBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

No carries with Nick Chubb's return Johnson garnered zero offensive snaps and five special-teams snaps during Sunday's 10-7 win against the Texans.

Impact With Nick Chubb returning from a knee injury that had held him out since Oct. 4, Johnson was relegated to a special-teams role. Johnson's involvement in the offense had been fading in recent appearances, as he only accumulated 51 scrimmage yards on 17 combined offensive touches Weeks 5 through 10, after racking up 95 yards on 13 carries in the game in which Chubb went down against the Cowboys in Week 4. Heading into a matchup against the Eagles, Johnson sits a distant third on Cleveland's RB depth chart behind Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE