Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Less involved as No. 2 back
Rotowire
Johnson carried once for three yards and caught one of two targets for 20 yards during Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Packers.
The 28-year-old totaled 20 touches in the previous two games with Travis Etienne (hamstring) unavailable, but both of those contests were blowouts. Tank Bigsby dominated the backfield work Sunday as Jacksonville nearly took Green Bay to overtime. Johnson likely won't be a fantasy-relevant option but should continue to see some chances in passing situations until Etienne is back.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Sleeper RBs
Rotowire
If Travis Etienne (hamstring) is out again in Week 8 against the Packers, then I like Johnson as a flex option in PPR. If the Packers are playing with a lead against Jacksonville, then Johnson should get more work in the passing game than Tank Bigsby, who only has two targets this season. Johnson has nine targets in his past three games, and he had seven catches over that span. He also had 10 PPR points in Week 7 against New England with nine carries for 38 yards and three catches for 32 yards on four targets.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Week 8 Waiver Priority List
Rotowire
We'll see if Travis Etienne (hamstring) remains out in Week 8 against the Packers, and if that happens then Johnson can be a flex option in PPR as he plays in tandem with Tank Bigsby. With Etienne out against the Patriots in Week 7, Johnson had nine carries for 38 yards and three catches for 32 yards on four targets as the No. 2 running back behind Bigsby. Keep an eye on Etienne's status, and Johnson is worth adding for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAB.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Role could expand sans Etienne
Rotowire
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson suggested that Johnson is in line to take on a greater role out of the backfield for Sunday's game against the Patriots in London due to Travis Etienne (hamstring) set to be inactive for the contest, Steve Wyche of NFL Network reports.
With Etienne set to miss his first game of the season, the Jaguars will keep Johnson, Bigsby and practice-squad call-up Jake Funk active as their three running backs for Week 7. When Etienne exited the Jaguars' Week 6 loss to the Bears after playing just 11 snaps, Johnson (34 snaps) finished with far more playing time than Bigsby (16 snaps), but a negative game script and Johnson's standing as Jacksonville's preferred option on passing downs was likely a significant factor. Though Johnson should still rank as the clear choice ahead of Bigsby on third downs and obvious passing situations, expect Bigsby to serve as the Jaguars' lead runner in Etienne's absence this week. Bigsby is averaging an impressive 7.2 yards per carry on 41 totes this season, though Johnson has been competent in his opportunities on the ground as well (16 carries for 67 yards). Johnson's fantasy utility for Week 7 will likely be mostly limited to deeper PPR leagues.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Team-high yardage total in loss
Rotowire
Johnson rushed six times for 28 yards and brought in both targets for 16 yards in the Jaguars' 35-16 loss to the Bears on Sunday in London.
With Travis Etienne exiting the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury, Johnson and Tank Bigsby helmed the ground game for the bulk of the second half. Johnson finished with a team-high rushing yardage total despite logging one fewer carry than Bigsby, and the former was also the only one of the two to be targeted in the passing game. The Jaguars are back in action next Sunday in London against the Patriots, and given the uncertain nature of soft-tissue injuries, it's possible Johnson and Bigsby could be sharing backfield duties once more Week 7.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Three touches Week 5
Rotowire
Johnson rushed once for one yard and caught two of three targets for nine yards during Sunday's 37-34 win against the Colts.
Jacksonville split playing time in the backfield fairly evenly, as Johnson played 13 offensive snaps compared to 23 for Tank Bigsby and 22 for Travis Etienne. Bigsby has taken hold of a larger role as the season has progressed, with he and Etienne now appearing to be in a timeshare. Johnson remains locked in as the No. 3 tailback and likely won't have a significant role if the other two can stay healthy.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Non-factor in loss
Rotowire
Johnson rushed two times for zero yards in Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Texans.
Johnson played 12 of the Jaguars 58 offensive snaps in the contest, behind both Travis Etienne (30) and Tank Bigsby (17). With such limited playing time and touches, the 28-year-old does not hold much fantasy value as the Jaguars third-string running back. Johnson and the Jaguars will square off against the Colts in Week 5.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: More involved Week 2
Rotowire
Johnson carried five times for 26 yards during Sunday's 18-13 loss to the Browns.
The 28-year-old didn't play a snap during the season opener, but he operated as Jacksonville's No. 2 tailback during Sunday's contest. Tank Bigsby filled that role Week 1 but suffered a shoulder injury against Cleveland, though he was able to return to the contest. Johnson was the only Jacksonville tailback besides starter Travis Etienne to play any offensive snaps, and it's unclear how much of a role Bigsby's injury played in the backfield hierarchy. Johnson's playing time and production against the Browns should be the expectation if he retains the No. 2 job, so there's limited fantasy appeal while Etienne remains healthy.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: No snaps Week 1
Rotowire
Johnson was active but didn't play any snaps during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Dolphins.
The 28-year-old saw the field in all 17 games last season, but he was limited to bench duty in the 2024 season opener as No. 2 tailback Tank Bigsby played 32 percent of the offensive snaps. Johnson isn't likely see much playing time while Bigsby and starter Travis Etienne remain healthy.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Staying with Jacksonsville
Rotowire
Johnson is re-signing with the Jaguars on a one-year deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Johnson operated as the team's No. 3 running back for the majority of last season, seeing limited opportunities behind Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. It likely didn't help that the South Florida product averaged just 2.6 yards per carry on 41 attempts across his 17 appearances. He'll likely head into the Jaguars' offseason program working to hold onto his third-string role in 2024.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Finishes season in No. 3 role
Rotowire
Johnson carried once for minus-one yard versus the Titans in Week 18. He played in all 17 games and had 41 rushes for 108 yards and 10 catches for 140 yards this season.
The 27-year-old opened and closed the campaign as Jacksonville's No. 3 tailback, though he did have a few weeks in the middle of the season where he worked in the No. 2 role ahead of rookie Tank Bigsby. Johnson will become a free agent during the offseason and will likely look for a new home as a backup tailback in 2024.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Two touches Week 15
Rotowire
Johnson carried twice for five yards and wasn't targeted during Sunday's 23-7 loss against the Ravens.
The 27-year-old played 18 of 62 offensive snaps, but starter Travis Etienne was the only Jacksonville tailback to receive more than two touches. Johnson should continue to have a limited workload down the stretch as Etienne's top backup.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Limited at practice
Rotowire
Johnson (knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.
Johnson was able to play through his knee injury in Jacksonville's Week 14 loss to Cleveland, so his presence on the practice field in any capacity three days later suggests that he avoided any setbacks. He'll look to increase his workload at one of the team's two remaining practice sessions ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Ravens.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Posts 28 yards from scrimmage
Rotowire
Johnson carried three times for 12 yards and caught two of three targets for 16 yards during Sunday's 31-27 loss against the Browns. He also returned two kickoffs for 34 yards.
The 27-year-old suited up Sunday after being questionable with a knee injury, and he filled his usual role as Travis Etienne's top backup. Johnson eclipsed 40 yards from scrimmage in three straight contests after taking over the No. 2 role Week 10, but his average of 18.5 total yards over the past two games is likely a better representation of his expected production while Etienne is available.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Takes questionable tag into weekend
Rotowire
Johnson (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Browns.
Johnson was listed as a limited participant in all three of the Jaguars' practices this week, but Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com relays that the 27-year-old running back is likely to play. If available, Johnson would handle his usual duties as the top backup to Travis Etienne (ribs), who is also listed as questionable but in line to play.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Bothered by knee
Rotowire
Johnson was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury.
Lead back Travis Etienne (ribs) also was a limited participant, two days after playing through his injury and taking 15 touches for 79 yards and a touchdown while playing 62 percent of snaps on offense in a 34-31 overtime loss to Cincinnati. Johnson had six touches for 10 yards while playing 36 percent of snaps in the loss, and he's likely looking at a similar role this Sunday against the Browns, though the Jaguars may feature their backs more than usual with wideout Christian Kirk (groin) already ruled out and quarterback Trevor Lawrence (ankle) quite possibly sidelined as well. A limited practice to start Week 14 prep suggests Johnson is on track to play, at least.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Five carries Week 13
Rotowire
Johnson carried five times for four yards and caught his lone target for five yards during Monday's 34-31 loss to Cincinnati.
The 27-year-old once again operated as Jacksonville's No. 2 tailback and played 25 of 69 offensive snaps, though he finished below 40 scrimmage yards for the first time since Week 8. Johnson appears to have a firm grip on the backup job but is nothing more than Travis Etienne insurance for fantasy managers.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Minimal role Week 4
Rotowire
Johnson had one carry for minus-2 yards during Sunday's 23-7 win over the Falcons in London.
JaMycal Hasty suited up for the first time this season as Jacksonville had all four of its tailbacks active, but starter Travis Etienne still dominated the offensive snaps with an 85 percent share. Johnson has just six carries for eight yards and three catches for 15 yards through the first four weeks of the season.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Five touches in loss
Rotowire
Johnson rushed three times for six yards while catching both of his targets for six yards in Sunday's 37-17 loss to the Texans.
Johnson's three rushes and two catches were both season-highs through three weeks. Surprisingly, the veteran running back out-snapped top backup Tank Bigsby 12 to nine in the contest. Johnson was unable to produce much with his increased opportunities. Barring an injury to Travis Etienne or Bigbsy, Johnson should remain off the fantasy radar when the Jaguars host the Falcons in Week 4.
... See More... See Less
Jaguars' D'Ernest Johnson: Buried on depth chart
Rotowire
Johnson carried the ball six times for 36 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's 25-7 preseason win over the Lions. He added two receptions for seven yards.
Johnson finished second on the team with six carries and he was effective, punching in scores from 15 yards and one yard away. However, he was the third back on the field even with Travis Etienne sitting out, and he didn't tally a carry until the second half. Johnson has 11 carries for 67 yards across two contests this preseason, but he appears to be fourth on the depth chart despite his effectiveness.
