Johnson (illness) has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

EDGE Analysis

The running back thus is in line to miss Sunday's game against the Bears, which sets the stage for Duke Johnson to head the Texans' Week 14 backfield.

Interim head coach Romeo Crennel said Friday that there's "a possibility" Johnson (personal) won't be available for Sunday's game against the Bears, Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson missed Thursday's practice due to a personal issue, and it sounds like another missed session Friday would jeopardize his status for Week 14. Given the undisclosed nature of Johnson's absence, it's difficult to estimate when a final call on his availability will arrive. If he were to miss Sunday's game against the Bears, Duke Johnson would stand to start out of the backfield.

Texans interim head coach Romeo Crennel hinted that Johnson would see an expanded role on offense in Sunday's game against the Bears, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports. " He had a couple of nice runs in the [Texans' Week 13 loss to the Colts] and I think that next week, he'll probably have more [snaps] than he had this week," Crennel said of Johnson. "I think he's still a good football player for us."

EDGE Analysis

Back in action after missing the previous three games with a concussion, Johnson was limited to a 58 percent snap share against Indianapolis, representing his second-lightest usage rate for any game this season that he finished healthy. Crennel suggested that he wanted to ease Johnson back in after a nearly month-long absence, but the 28-year-old now looks primed to see his involvement grow after coming out of the Week 13 contest healthy. In addition to likely picking up double-digit carries against Chicago, Johnson could become an even more prominent option in the passing game than he had been prior to missing time with the concussion. In the past few weeks, the Texans have waived Kenny Stills, lost Will Fuller to suspension, and lost Randall Cobb (toe) to injured reserve, leaving Deshaun Watson with fewer reliable targets at his disposal.

Johnson (concussion) carried 10 times for 44 yards and a touchdown while failing to bring in either of his two targets during Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Colts.

EDGE Analysis

Making his return from a three-game absence, Johnson managed 4.4 yards per carry against a tough defensive unit and scored a six-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. He was hardly a factor in the passing game, but it's probable the team intended to ease him back into the lineup while letting Duke Johnson handle that department. Assuming Johnson emerges without any setbacks, he should be in line to handle a larger load next Sunday against the Bears.

Johnson (concussion) was activated off injured reserve Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is hardly surprising considering Johnson is expected to play in Sunday's divisional contest with the Colts. The suspension of Will Fuller could open the door for Duke Johnson, who operated as the main bellcow in David Johnson's three game absence, to be a marginal factor in the passing game, but expect the former Cardinals back to reassert himself as the team's primary option out of the backfield once more.

Johnson (concussion) is on track to play Sunday against the Colts, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson will need to be activated from IR before returning, but that is expected to happen barring a setback. He was operating as Houston's lead back prior to sustaining his concussion Week 9, and David's return likely will push Duke Johnson back to a change-of-pace role Sunday.

Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly suggested that Johnson (concussion) has looked good since rejoining the team for practice Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports. "He's done a good job. Look forward to working him back in the mix," Kelly said of Johnson.

EDGE Analysis

Kelly didn't go as far as saying that Johnson would be reinstated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts, but the 28-year-old is seemingly on track to be added back to the 53-man roster. A decision on Johnson's Week 13 status will likely hinge on him clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, though his involvement in practice would seemingly imply that he merely needs to get approval from an independent neurologist in order to play. If activated this weekend, Johnson would likely reclaim duties as Houston's lead back, relegating Duke Johnson to a change-of-pace role.

The Texans designated Johnson (concussion) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The transaction opens up a 21-day window for the Texans to evaluate Johnson for a return to the 53-man roster. If the running back is cleared to play in time for Sunday's game against the Colts, he would presumably reclaim his role as Houston's top back, while Duke Johnson would move back into his previous change-of-pace role.

Johnson (concussion) has been placed on injured reserve, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson will now be sidelined a minimum of three weeks. His absence means that Duke Johnson will be the team's lead back for the immediate future. The 28-year-old will now focus on his recovery. His next chance to potentially return will be Dec. 6 against the Colts.

Johnson (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

The running back wasn't able to practice all week and thus will target a potential return to action Week 11 versus the Patriots. In his absence this Sunday, Duke Johnson is in line to head the Texans' running attack.