With two open roster spot thanks to offensive line departures, the Buffalo Bills will be using one on a running back.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, free agent running back Ty Johnson is set to sign in Buffalo.
Johnson, a sixth-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2019, has most recently played for the New York Jets.
The 25-year-old has only made six career starts in four seasons. That gives a hint of what Johnson’s game is all about.
Johnson has averaged 4.4 yards per career in his career, however, he’s maxed out at 63 carries in a single season. The 5-foot-10 back is known for his pass-catching ability as a third-down playmaker.
In that department, Johnson has hauled in 86 catches on 131 targets in his career, good for 668 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson has also contributed on special teams in his career.
Johnson joins a running back room currently with James Cook at the top. Behind him is a mix of Damien Harris, Latavius Murray, Darrynton Evans and Jordan Mims. Harris had been expected to make an impact of sorts, but he has not suited up in the preseason just yet due to a knee injury.
Then again, adding players late in the preseason which allows them to “audition” for other teams is not out of the norm.
Over the past week, the two losses from the Bills roster came via Brandon Shell and Tommy Doyle. Both are tackles on the O-line. Shell retired from football while Doyle suffered a season-ending injury.
Buffalo lost two offensive lineman but they don’t have to replace those two with other players in the trenches. Evidently, the front office felt like they needed another playmaker instead of more offensive line depth at this time.
According to reports, Buffalo did sign offensive lineman Garrett McGhin to fill one of those vacant spots.
Bills Wire will provide roster updates throughout the 2023 season.
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