The New York Jets have claimed former Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson off of waivers. Johnson was released yesterday in a corresponding move after the Lions activated safety Jayron Kearse from suspension.
This is the second running back selected on Day 3 of the NFL draft that has been claimed off of waivers after the Lions released them this season — the other being Jason Huntley, who was claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles at cut-downs last month.
In 2019, the Lions running backs were banged up and Johnson earned time late in the season, rushing the ball 63 times for 273 yards, and notching 24 receptions for 109-yards on the year.
In 2020, Johnson made the Lions initial 53-man roster out of training camp and looked like he was in a competition for the Lions third running back role with Bo Scarbrough. When Scarbrough was injured, Johnson had the inside edge for less than 24 hours before the team added Adrian Peterson to the roster.
Johnson was relegated to a fourth running back role and was only on the field for five offensive snaps this season, receiving no touches or targets. He did play 24 snaps on special teams in Weeks 1 and 2 but was a healthy scratch in Week 3.
With the Lions’ Peterson, Kerryon Johnson, and D’Andre Swift firmly ahead of Ty Johnson on the depth chart, and Scarbrough eligible to return from injured reserve, the Lions felt comfortable risking him to waivers.
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