Injury makes Duke Johnson starter against Browns
The Texans’ backfield is in motion.
Veteran running back Duke Johnson will be the starter against his old team Sunday with starter David Johnson remaining under the NFL concussion protocol and not expected to be available against the Browns, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
David Johnson suffered the head injury Sunday when he absorbed a huge hit from Jacksonville linebacker Myles Jack.
Duke Johnson replaced him and gained 2.6 yards per carry as he finished with 41 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries and four catches for 32 yards on four catches.
“Sunday was a great example of what Duke brings to the table,” Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel said. “He went in there after David got hurt, and he took just about every snap. He took every snap, and that was blocking, that was running and that was pass receiving.
“He’s a productive runner. He’s got great vision. He’s got quick feet and he can make people miss. So, that’s what we expect from him going forward.”
A lack of holes is a recurring theme regardless of the personnel.
Duke Johnson has rushed for just 95 yards on 34 carries, a 2.8 average per run. He has caught 14 passes for 109 yards.
Johnson, who was acquired via trade last year from the Browns, was more productive last season with 410 rushing yards and two touchdown runs and 44 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns. He has not started this year with David Johnson entrenched as the primary back.
“There’s really no difference between the two,” quarterback Deshaun Watson said. “Both of them can catch. Both of them can run. Shifty, can make cuts and reads and things like that.
“Once one person is out, the other person just rolls in and it continues to flow. They’ve both been doing a great job. Duke came in last week taking over for David whenever he got injured, coming in rushing the ball and making some big plays and making some guys miss tackles.”