Duke Johnson Jr.

Adam Schefter is reporting that the Texans have released veteran running back Duke Johnson Jr.

Fantasy Impact

Johnson spent two years in Houston, playing backup to Carlos Hyde in 2019 and backup to David Johnson in 2020. His career 4.4 yards per attempt took a sizeable hit this season when he was named the starter for five weeks. During that five-week stretch, Johnson saw 43 carries which he managed to turn into just 140 rushing yards with no touchdowns. Known primarily as a scatback, the 5'9" veteran has always done the majority of his damage through the air. Now 27 years old, the former third-rounder will likely end up in a third-down role for a new team next season.

Duke Johnson Jr. (neck) will not play in Week 17's game against the Jaguars.

Fantasy Impact

With Duke Johnson out, David Johnson can be relied on as a low-end RB1 in this matchup against the Titans. David Johnson has seen 80% and 96% of his team’s snaps over the last two weeks without Duke Johnson out of the lineup and has racked up 272 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns over his last two weeks. 

The Texans ruled out RB Duke Johnson Jr. (neck) for Week 16 against the Bengals.

Fantasy Impact

David Johnson should be a three-down workhorse in (Duke) Johnson's absence. Expect C.J. Prosise to operate as Houston's No. 2 RB in this one.

Texans RB Duke Johnson Jr. (neck) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice.

Fantasy Impact

Johnson appears likely to miss Week 16 against the Bengals. In his projected absence, David Johnson should see another uptick in usage.

Duke Johnson Jr. (neck) did not practice on Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

Johnson's neck injury forced him to miss Week 15 against the Colts and his absence from Wednesday's practice is concerning. Continue monitoring Johnson's status throughout the week but if he is unable to play in Week 16, expect Buddy Howell and Scottie Phillips to back-up starting RB David Johnson again against the Bengals.