One of the prizes from trading three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals was former 2016 All-Pro running back David Johnson.
Though the former Cardinals 2015 third-round pick hadn’t crested 1,000 scrimmage yards just once since his meritorious season, the theory was Johnson would be revitalized in Houston, much the same way Carlos Hyde earned his first career 1,000-yard rushing season with the Texans in 2019.
The results have been less than spectacular with Johnson producing 452 yards and four touchdowns on 113 carries, and following up with 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown.
“It’s definitely been tough this year, this season, with everything going on,” Johnson said. “Rushing wasn’t going well and now as well as the receiving is not going as well. Just trying to figure out what to do.”
Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly suggested Thursday that part of the problem has been not finding ways to get Johnson more involved in the offense.
“Any time you have anybody back with David’s skill set, David’s ability, it’s a good thing for the offense,” said Kelly. “Got to find ways to get him productive and get him involved in the game, but I’m excited to get him back out there.”
Johnson missed Week 14’s 36-7 loss to the Chicago Bears due to being placed on the COVID-19 reserve. Though the 29-year-old did not test positive himself, he had close contact with an individual who did, and thus was placed on the reserve on Dec. 11.
The former Cardinal suggests he could, “maybe make more routes more crisp, catch the ball,” to give quarterback Deshaun Watson more confidence in targeting him in the passing game.
“Just doing everything I can because it’s been a tough year,” Johnson said.
The Texans will get a shot to incorporate Johnson more into the offense as they face the Indianapolis Colts Sunday at 12:00 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium. In the Week 13 encounter, Johnson carried 10 times for 44 yards and a touchdown.
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