Duke Johnson Returns to Practice in Limited Role

By Matt Johnson on Saturday, August 15th 2015
Duke Johnson Returns to Practice in Limited Role

Not much is going right for the Cleveland Browns these days with Josh McCown locked in as their starting quarterback and their running backs coach calling out the position group, saying "It just bothers me that guys don't want to be the lead bell-cow guy." But finally, it looks like some good news has arrived in Cleveland.

Duke Johnson, who tweaked his hamstring on August 1 and been held out of practice, is now back out on the practice field. While Johnson was just working on stationary bikes, it's an important to step for the rookie running back. Johnson missed the first preseason game with the hamstring injury, as Cleveland looks to bring him along cautiously to avoid a serious setback. It opened the door for Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West to try and show why they should be the Browns' lead back.

But Crowell and West did not do anything to prove themselves worthy of being the workhorse of this offense. Crowell finished with six rushing yards on four carries and a six-yard reception, while West had four carries for 10 yards and two receptions for six yards.

Now Johnson is closing in on a return to the practice field and you can almost always bet on rookies being hungry to prove themselves to the coaching staff and teammates. RB's coach Wilbert Montgomery wants to find a running back that wants the leading role and will fight to prove he is worthy of it, Johnson may be just the guy he's looking for.

 

Fantasy Spin

Whoever emerges as the Browns' top running back is immediately fantasy relevant, simply because Cleveland has an outstanding offensive line. When you have a coaching staff publicly stating they are looking for that bell-cow, it's a clear indicator that a significant role is there for the taking and whoever wins that job will receive plenty of touches.

If Crowell and West continue to show a lack of desire for the position and don't impress in training camp, a return to the field gives Johnson an opportunity. If he can perform well and seize the job, we aren't just talking about the third-down role many expected him to land, it will be larger than that. Currently sitting at a 149 average draft position (ADP), Johnson is a great selection for a late-round flier who could become a good contributor as a rookie.

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