Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson is potentially set for a “real big” role in his rookie year, as hinted at by ESPN’s Browns beat writer Tony Grossi. Johnson is competing with Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West for playing time in a crowded backfield.
Duke Johnson set to have potentially big fantasy role in Cleveland’s backfield
Duke Johnson has a chance to grab a big role with the Browns in his rookie year.
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
A third-round pick out of the University of Miami, Johnson missed two weeks of training camp with a hamstring injury. He returned to practice this week and is expected to see plenty of snaps in Cleveland’s third preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fantasy impact: The starting job could be up for grabs after Crowell and West have failed to seize it. This week’s preseason contest will be a crucial moment for Johnson, who has missed lots of valuable practice reps as a rookie. Ultimately, we think Johnson has the most fantasy upside in Cleveland’s backfield, but it’s still a muddled committee in an offense that projects to be one of the worst in football. Johnson is just a lottery ticket in standard 12-team leagues at this point.
