Tag: David Johnson

Saints dress out just two running backs vs. Falcons, setting up a big day for Taysom Hill

The Saints dressed out just two running backs against the Falcons, setting up a big day for Alvin Kamara, David Johnson and maybe Taysom Hill:

So this is an interesting strategy. The New Orleans Saints inactive list included half of their depth chart at running back for Week 15’s game with the Atlanta Falcons — backups Dwayne Washington and Eno Benjamin were both sidelined, leaving just Alvin Kamara and David Johnson active on Sunday. Washington wasn’t able to practice this week while dealing with an illness, whereas Benjamin was acquired off of waivers and saw just two practices with the team before kickoff.

That suggests a heavy workload for Kamara, right? The Saints haven’t gotten the most out of him this season, stubbornly running him into the teeth of opposing defenses and weirdly cutting down on the number of screen plays in each week’s game plan. Kamara and his coaches talked about the need for more creativity this week (or at least more of what he’s done well in the past), but we’ll see if they seize this opportunity.

But there might be other solutions than just running Kamara until he can’t run anymore. Nominal tight end Taysom Hill has seen more rushing attempts against the Falcons (42 in 11 games) in his career than against any other team, and his usage has also trailed off in recent weeks. This is a chance for him to reassert himself as a playmaker that their stalled-out offense could really use. He’s had success against Atlanta before, posting single-game rushing totals of 83, 81, and 49 yards. He’s also scored 4 touchdown runs on the Falcons defense in past matchups.

Fullback Adam Prentice is also active for this game, so he’s an option, though the Saints rarely ask him to handle the ball — his first rushing attempt this season came in their last game, gaining 2 yards on 3rd-and-1 midway through the third quarter. New Orleans brought up wide receiver Kirk Merritt from their practice squad, too. He’s cross-trained at running back with them and saw some carries in their preseason games.

Still, it feels like Kamara will again see the lion’s share of snaps in the backfield. Hopefully the Saints can do a better job of putting him in position to make a play.

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Saints sign RB David Johnson to their 53-man roster, waive OL Josh Andrews

The Saints signed RB David Johnson to their 53-man roster in the wake of RB Mark Ingram II’s injury, also waiving OL Josh Andrews with C Erik McCoy on the mend:

We’ve come out of the New Orleans Saints bye week to find some minor shuffling on their 53-man roster, with veteran running back David Johnson signed from the Saints practice squad and offensive lineman Josh Andrews waived to make room. Both of these roster moves may be related to injuries for other players.

Backup running back Mark Ingram II is likely done for the year after suffering another knee injury in Week 13’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so Johnson is stepping into a bigger role in his absence. Ingram has missed time earlier this season with MCL issues, but this injury is more serious, and it’s unlikely he’ll recover in time to play again this season. Johnson has only logged two touches with the Saints this season: he lost 4 yards on his lone rushing attempt but gained 11 yards on a single reception.

As for Andrews: he initially started at center in Erik McCoy’s absence but was demoted in New Orleans’ last game. Cesar Ruiz moved to center (his college position) with his backup Calvin Throckmorton stepping into the right guard spot. McCoy should be eligible to return from injured reserve soon, though, so if the Saints expect McCoy back soon it makes sense to waive Andrews in hopes of him returning to their practice squad.

We’ll see more changes in the weeks ahead as the Saints finish out their season. Expect them to audition players in different roles to see who should be in the plans for 2023 and beyond. It’s a shame that this is what their 2022 campaign has been reduced to, but the Saints still need to make the most of it.

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Saints complete a flurry of last-minute roster moves before Week 11 kickoff vs. Rams

Saints complete a flurry of last-minute roster moves before Week 11 kickoff vs. Rams

It’s not surprising to see a team with as many injuries as the New Orleans Saints shuffling players around, but this is a lot of movement even for their always-busy standards. They’re dealing with absences along the offensive and defensive lines, in the secondary, and in the backfield. Let’s break down each move:

Updated Saints practice squad after signing David Johnson, other Week 11 roster moves

The Saints signed four players to their practice squad this week, including veteran running back David Johnson. Here’s the updated list:

It’s been a busy week for the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Defensive end Taco Charlton was poached by the Chicago Bears, and they released both of their running backs in Jordan Howard and Derrick Gore — only to bring Gore back a few days later. There have been a number of moving pieces, so let’s recap them.

The Saints signed several free agents to the practice squad including veteran running back David Johnson, defensive end Niko Lalos (who joined them for training camp), and defensive tackle Prince Emili, who played college football at Penn and started his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted rookie earlier this year. On Thursday, they released linebacker Kenny Young from the practice squad and signed defensive back Isaac Yiadom.

So the practice squad looks a bit different from the last time we checked in. Here’s the new-look Saints practice squad after these Week 11 roster moves:

Saints sign free agent RB David Johnson to their practice squad

Saints sign free agent running back David Johnson to their practice squad, adding a veteran with 6,805 yards and 57 touchdowns behind him:

Here’s the other shoe dropping. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported that the New Orleans Saints are signing running back David Johnson to their practice squad on Wednesday, with the team having previously released both of the backs on their practice squad (Jordan Howard and Derrick Gore). The Saints also tried to claim former Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin on the waiver wire, but were leapfrogged by the Houston Texans.

Johnson, who turns 31 in December, is one of the most-accomplished free agents on the market with 6,805 scrimmage yards and 57 combined touchdown runs and receptions in his 87-game pro career (he also put up 206 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown run in two playoff games as a rookie in 2015). He earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition in 2016 after leading the NFL in touches (373), scrimmage yards (2,118), and combined touchdowns (20), though he’s struggled to reach those heights in the years since. Ironically, he also previously played for the Cardinals and Texans.

Now he’ll be backing up Alvin Kamara. Johnson tried out for the Saints in minicamp over the summer but couldn’t reach an agreement on contract terms. After joining the practice squad and replacing the two players New Orleans previously had there, he could be activated on Sunday and see some snaps on offense while Mark Ingram II continues to recover from a knee injury. Dwayne Washington is also on the 53-man roster but has mainly been limited to special teams reps.

So we’ll see if Johnson has anything left in the tank, but the Saints must invest in a better backup plan this offseason. Their running game hasn’t met expectations this season, partly due to injuries along the offensive line, but also just with the personnel available. Having someone who can help Kamara shoulder the load and maybe stand in for him if he’s suspended following an offseason incident would be valuable.

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Should the Giants sign RB David Johnson?

Bleacher Report believes the Giants should sign RB David Johnson.

Ever since the offseason began, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley’s future with the team has been a hot topic around the organization. Despite many times this offseason it seemed Barkley’s trade rumors have been put to rest, they just won’t go away.

As recent as this week, Bleacher Report named Barkley as a player the Giants should have on the trading block.

And now, in what may or may not have a direct correlation to Barkley’s trade rumors, Bleacher Report named signing running back David Johnson as the move Big Blue should make prior to the season beginning:

David Johnson will never be the back everyone imagined when he could be when he posted 2,118 yards from scrimmage during the 2016 campaign. Injuries and an outrageous contract extension already saw to that.

Nonetheless, Johnson proved he can be a solid contributor as part of a running back rotation. As such, some interest continues to percolate around the league. Johnson already visited the New Orleans Saints earlier this offseason.

For the Giants, the team should hedge a bit regarding Saquon Barkley’s future. His injury history alone makes depth at the position a necessity. The 2018 second-overall draft pick hasn’t played a full season since his rookie campaign, thanks to ankle issues and a torn ACL.

Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell Jr. and Antonio Williams are projected as New York’s running back depth. Breida bounced between three teams over the last three seasons, while Brightwell and Williams have a combined 12 career rushing attempts.

If the Giants aren’t entirely comfortable with Johnson at this point in his career, they could call the Cleveland Browns and possibly trade for D’Ernest Johnson, dependent on giving up a draft asset.

No matter how much they believe in Barkley, Big Blue would be wise to leave their options open and at the very least listen to offers for their star running back prior to the season or even during the season.

Signing David Johnson gives the Giants some injury insurance in case Barkley isn’t able to stay on the field and would give the Giants a nice platoon between Johnson and Matt Breida should Barkley get traded at any point.

In the article, Bleacher Report named a move for each NFL team. For the Los Angeles Rams, the move was re-signing former Giants star receiver Odell Beckham and for the Houston Texans, their move was signing former Giant Landon Collins.

For the Indianapolis Colts, their move was extending Quenton Nelson; a player who will be forever connected to Barkley as the player the Giants should have taken from that draft class. Finally, the piece suggested the Carolina Panthers should trade for Baker Mayfield; the no. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL draft; just one pick ahead of Barkley.

Barkley’s future with the Giants is still very much in question and his performance this season will go a long way to his next contract; whoever it may be with. With what should be an improved offensive line on Big Blue this season both Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones have a lot to prove.

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RB David Johnson appears open to returning to the Cardinals

Former Cardinals All-Pro running back David Johnson alluded to being open to rejoining the team.

David Johnson was once the star of the Arizona Cardinals offense and one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. Currently unsigned, Johnson appears to be open to returning to Arizona.

Johnson spent time at New Orleans Saints minicamp this week on a tryout but ultimately did not reach an agreement on a deal. He took to Twitter to announce the news and suggested that he may be open to returning to the Cardinals.

Johnson emerged in 2015 as a rookie when the team’s starting backs suffered injuries. He never gave the starting role back and helped the team hit a franchise record 13 wins and a trip to the NFC Championship. In that infamous blowout loss to the Panthers, Johnson was the only player who had a playoff-worthy performance.

The next season, Johnson had one of the best statistical seasons of anyone in franchise history. He had a whopping 2,118 yards from scrimmage and had the chance to reach 1,000 yards receiving and rushing if he didn’t suffer an injury in the final game of the season. With 16 rushing touchdowns and four receiving, Johnson was the heartbeat of the Cardinals offense.

Johnson would ultimately be traded in the blockbuster deal for DeAndre Hopkins in 2020. He spent the last two seasons on a pair of awful Texans teams and never regained his status.

The Cardinals inked their lead back in James Conner to a three-year contract extension in March. They added former Chief Darrell Williams, who figures to serve as the team’s No. 2 back and act as a receiving threat.

Prior to adding Williams, this would have seemed like a reasonable pairing with Johnson. If the team feels the need to add another back, however, why not look to the former All-Pro?

Johnson excelled as a receiving threat with the Cardinals but also displayed that ability with the Texans. In his final year with the Cards in 2019, he had plenty of highlight-worthy plays in the passing game.

Fans would certainly be thrilled to see No. 31 back in a Cardinals uniform Perhaps we could see it come true in the future.

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Former Saints OL Senio Kelemete among 4 tryout free agents at minicamp

Senio Kelemete has started games at left guard, right guard, right tackle, and left tackle for the Saints. And he’s among 4 tryout free agents at minicamp this week:

It’s not unusual for NFL teams to bring in veteran free agents for tryouts during their late-spring minicamp practice sessions, but it’s cool to see a familiar face on the New Orleans Saints practice field. Former Saints offensive lineman Senio Kelemete was one of four tryout players in attendance for Tuesday’s minicamp practice, finally making his return to the team where his NFL career took off. Of course he hasn’t signed back with New Orleans (none of these four free agents have, yet) but he’d be a welcome addition to the offensive line.

Let’s recap where Kelemete’s career has taken him, and run through the list of other players New Orleans brought in for a look this week:

Veteran RB David Johnson taking free agent visit with the Saints

Veteran RB David Johnson is taking a free agent visit with the Saints. The 2016 All-Pro was teammates with Mark Ingram on the Texans in 2021:

This is interesting: NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reports that free agent running back David Johnson is visiting the New Orleans Saints, which was confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Saints have been linked to free agent running backs before, making a strong push to sign undrafted rookie Abram Smith (out of Baylor) while also meeting with 2021 Los Angeles Rams rushing leader Sony Michel (who signed with the Miami Dolphins on a league-minimum deal).

Johnson, 30, spent the last two seasons with the Houston Texans after a five-year run with the Arizona Cardinals in which he won first-team All-Pro recognition in 2016. He struggled to make much headway behind one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines last year, picking up nearly as many yards as a receiver (225) as a runner (228). An injury prevented him from stepping into a larger role once Mark Ingram II returned to the Saints in a midseason trade, but Johnson could still have some gas left in the tank. He led Houston in rushing in 2020 (with 147 carries for 691 yards, with 6 touchdown runs) while catching 33 passes for another 314 receiving yards and 2 touchdown receptions.

So Johnson could be a nice backup for Alvin Kamara once we know whether the Saints will be without their star running back, and for how long. If Kamara misses the expected six games following his arrest in Las Vegas earlier this year, having an accomplished veteran with experience on passing downs like Johnson could be big. It helps that he and Ingram are already used to working in tandem with each other. We’ll be on the lookout should Johnson and New Orleans agree to cut a deal.

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Texans place three players on COVID-19 reserve

The Houston Texans have place three players on the COVID-19 reserve following their 41-29 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16.

The Houston Texans may overcome the challenges COVID-19 placed on their roster in their 41-29 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16, but that didn’t keep the novel coronavirus at bay.

The team announced Monday they have placed three players on the COVID-19 reserve in running back David Johnson, linebacker Neville Hewitt, and fullback Paul Quessenberry, who was elevated from the practice squad for Week 16’s game.

The Texans were dealing with COVID challenges as it came to their roster construction ahead of their contest with the Chargers.

Coach David Culley told reporters Monday morning the he was unaware of any players that would be added, but expressed optimism that some players might have a chance to get out of protocol when they assessed the situation on Wednesday.

“We are still going through the weekly testing,” said Culley. “We’ll have a better idea on Wednesday about who we will get back going forward.”