Tag: David Johnson

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.”

Texans vs. Chargers inactives: RB David Johnson out with quadriceps injury

The Houston Texans announced their inactives for Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and running back David Johnson was declared out.

The Houston Texans announced their inactives ahead of their Week 16 tilt with the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson (not injury related), running back David Johnson (quadriceps), receiver Danny Amendola (knee), cornerback Terrance Mitchell, and offensive lineman Carson Green were declared out for the game.

For the Chargers, there were no inactives announced.

The Chargers are 8-6 and battling for their playoff lives. The Kansas City Chiefs are atop the AFC West with a 10-4 record and first place in the conference. Los Angeles needs the win in a big way over the Texans, who are 3-11 on the season and on pace for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Texans vs. Chargers final injury report: RB David Johnson questionable

The Houston Texans released their final injury report for Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers and running back David Johnson is questionable.

The Houston Texans released their final injury report as they gear up to take on the Los Angeles Chargers for Week 16 at NRG Stadium.

The Texans have a bevy of players on COVID-19 reserve, who more than likely won’t test out in time to clear protocol and make the game.

The Texans listed running back David Johnson (quadriceps) as questionable and quarterback Deshaun Watson (not injury related) as out. Neither player practiced all week.

Houston didn’t have any players who were listed as limited participants, but they did have three that were listed as full participants in safety Justin Reid (concussion), tight end Brevin Jordan (hand), and receiver Chris Conley (knee). All three players lacked an injury designation for the game.

For the Chargers, only tight end Donald Parham (concussion) was ruled out for the game.

Safety Derwin James (hamstring) was questionable and was a limited participant in Friday’s practice.

Safety Alohi Gilman (quadriceps), defensive tackle Linval Joseph (shoulder), and cornerback Asante Samuel (concussion) were full participants, and none of them had an injury designation for Sunday.

Texans vs. Chargers Thursday injury report: WR Chris Conley fully participates

The Houston Texans released their second injury report for Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and receiver Chris Conley had a full practice.

The Houston Texans released their second injury report as they gear up to take on the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium.

The Texans took center Justin Britt (knee), cornerback Lonnie Johnson (shoulder/quadriceps), and defensive end Jordan Jenkins (knee) were taken off the injury report and placed on the COVID-19 reserve.

Houston had running back David Johnson (quadriceps) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (not injury related) as the only two players who did not practice.

Safety Justin Reid (concussion) and tight end Brevin Jordan (hand) were the only two players who were listed as full participants.

The Texans had no players that were listed as limited.

The Chargers had no change from Wednesday’s injury report as safety Derwin James (hamstring) and tight end Donald Parham (concussion) were still non-participants in practice.

For more information on Los Angeles’ injury report, check out the Chargers Wire.

Texans vs. Chargers injury report: RB David Johnson would not have practiced

The Houston Texans released an estimation of practice participation for their Week 16 showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Houston Texans released their first injury report for Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium.

The Texans did not have practice on Wednesday, but merely a walkthrough, and the practice designation is merely an estimation.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson (not injury related) and running back David Johnson (quadriceps) were listed as non-participants.

Center Justin Britt (knee), receiver Chris Conley (knee), cornerback Lonnie Johnson (shoulder/quadriceps) were listed as limited participants.

Defensive end Jordan Jenkins (knee), tight end Brevin Jordan (hand), and defensive end Justin Reid (concussion) were listed as full participants.

The Chargers had safety Derwin James (hamstring) and tight end Donald Parham (concussion) were listed as the only non-participants.

For more information on Los Angeles’ practice report, check out the Chargers Wire.

Are the Texans phasing out running back David Johnson?

David Johnson has seen decreased touches at running back. Are the Houston Texans phasing out the former All-Pro?

HOUSTON — During the Houston Texans’ 30-16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, running back David Johnson rushed for 24 yards on six attempts in the win. Johnson’s play in Jacksonville was his first game after missing the previous contest due to COVID.

But amid his return, Johnson only played the first half of the Week 15 win, with Rex Burkhead taking the majority of the snaps by recording 41 yards on 16 carries.

Burkhead did not have an eye-popping day in terms of his yardage. But Burkhead’s on-field production did enable Houston to sustain offensive drives — something that Johnson has been unable to accomplish throughout the 2021 campaign.

And following his benching against the Jaguars, it could be an indication that Johnson’s days with the Texans are quickly coming to a disheartening end.

“It was just the flow of the game,” coach David Culley said. “He’s got a role. David has a big role with us. It was just the way the flow of the game went. It was just one of those things that sometimes that happens. But his role was just as big as it’s ever been, and it will be that way.”

Wednesday morning, Culley credited an undisclosed injury for Johnson’s benching while reiterating his role within the team has not changed. On the first day of practice ahead of the Texans’ home match against the 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Johnson did not attend.

But with Johnson set to hit free agency next spring, the chances of Nick Caserio re-signing the 30-year-old running back is implausible — despite the justifications for his second-half absence and lack of production.

In 12 games played this season, Johnson has rushed for 200 yards on 62 attempts. His best game of the year took place during the Texans’ Week 12 loss to the New York Jets, where he rushed for a season-best 39 yards on 10 carries.

Out of the five running backs who originally made the 53-man roster in August, Johnson has given the Texans the least productivity out of the backfield this season.

“His lack of production is simply due to injuries,” Culley said. “Had he not gotten injured on Sunday, he would have stayed in the game. His role is still the same. It just so happens that injuries have kept him from what he needed to do this year. His role is still here.”

With the exception of one game missed due to COVID, Johnson’s other absence took place due to a thigh injury when the Texans sustained a 31-0 Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

In hopes of ending the season on a high note, Culley is hopeful that the Texans’ run game will have a minor resurgence given his unwillingness to abandon the run. But Culley’s optimism may not reach its assurance as long as Johnson shares a boatload of the snaps with Burkhead during the final three games of the season.

David Johnson and Royce Freeman will be the Texans’ go-to RBs against the Jaguars

The Houston Texans will rely on running backs David Johnson and Royce Freeman against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15.

HOUSTON — After starting the season with five running back on the roster, the Houston Texans will be down to two during Sunday’s Week 15 match against the 2-11 Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to coach David Culley on Wednesday, the Texans will have running backs Royce Freeman and David Johnson in the backfield at TIAA Bank Field.

Johnson will be making his return to the team after missing the pervious two games due to COVID.

“Injuries happen, and unfortunately for us, David having COVID was a big setback,” Culley said. “Playing these two backs is good enough for what we like to do, especially after our break, but losing Rex [Burkhead] is a tough blow for us.”

Rex Burkhead, who served as the Texans’ starting running back in place of Johnson, sustained a hip injury during Houston’s 33-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Despite not being available for their AFC South match against the Jaguars, Culley stated that Burkhead’s injury is not a long-term issue. He is listed day-to-day.

For the second consecutive season, the Texans have had the league’s most inefficient rushing attach with Johnson at the helm.

With four remaining in the 2021 campaign, the Texans are currently last in rushing, averaging a league-low 77.5 yards per game.

Texans place LB Kamu Grugier-Hill on COVID-19 reserve, activate RB David Johnson

The Houston Texans have placed linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill on the COVID-19 reserve while activating running back David Johnson from the list.

The Houston Texans are swapping players on the COVID-19 reserve.

The Texans placed linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill on the COVID-19 reserve. Grugier-Hill left Week 14’s game with a knee injury and rode the cart off the gridiron at NRG Stadium.

According to coach David Culley, although the optics were discouraging, the initial report of Grugier-Hill’s injury was not as distressing.

“The knee is not quite as bad as what we thought,” Culley said. “He’s still day to day. They’re not completely ruling him out for this week, but again, we’ll see.”

Johnson was placed on the COVID-19 reserve Saturday, according to Culley after the 33-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

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Texans vs. Seahawks Wednesday injury report: 18 Houston players on list

The Houston Texans released their first injury report for Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks, and 18 players were added to the list.

The Houston Texans released their largest injury report for the season after their first practice for Week 14 as they prepare for the Seattle Seahawks.

The Texans had 18 players listed on the injury report.

Among the non-participants in practice were center Justin Britt (knee), safety Terrence Brooks (hamstring), defensive tackle Maliek Collins (illness), tight end Brevin Jordan (hand), cornerback Terrance Mitchell (illness), safety A.J. Moore (hip), and quarterback Deshaun Watson (not injury related).

Houston’s players that were limited in practice were running back Rex Burkhead (not injury related), receiver Nico Collins (thigh), receiver Brandin Cooks (not injury related), defensive end Jonathan Greenard (foot), guard-tackle Tytus Howard (ankle), defensive end Jacob Martin (knee), and linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (hamstring).

The only players that were full participants were running back David Johnson (illness/thigh), linebacker Christian Kirksey (thumb), center Justin McCray (concussion), and quarterback Tyrod Taylor (wrist).

For more information on Seattle’s injury report, check out the Seahawks Wire.