Duke Johnson RB FA Sun 5/5/24 1:40 PM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
Johnson announced Sunday via his personal Instagram account that he has retired from professional football.
EDGE Analysis
After the Browns selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Johnson played eight seasons in the league, totaling 532 carries for 2,265 yards and 11 touchdowns along with 311 receptions for 2,870 yards and 12 scores over 97 games. Johnson spent most of his time in the NFL with the Browns, and he also played for Houston, Miami and Buffalo. In his final NFL campaign, the running back got into just one game with the Bills, accumulating 157 kick-return yards and four rushing yards in 2022.
Duke Johnson RB FA Mon 11/14/22 6:10 PM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
Johnson reverted to Buffalo's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
EDGE Analysis
Johnson was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's Week 10 loss to Minnesota and logged five snaps on offense, finishing with two carries for four yards. While he trailed Devin Singletary (54), James Cook (13) and Nyheim Hines (six) among running back snaps, Johnson was very active on special teams, churning out 157 yards on seven kick returns. Buffalo has plenty of healthy ball carriers at its disposal, so Johnson's path back to the active roster is likely through his ability as a return man.
Duke Johnson RB FA Sat 11/12/22 8:31 PM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
Buffalo elevated Johnson from its practice squad to the active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game versus the Vikings, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
After joining the Bills' practice squad back in August, Johnson is poised to potentially make his 2022 debut in Week 10. With five running backs in total suiting up for Sunday's game for Buffalo, Johnson doesn't have a clear path to much rushing volume right away.
Duke Johnson RB FA Wed 8/31/22 7:06 PM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
The Bills signed Johnson to their practice squad Wednesday, Alec White of the team's official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
Johnson faced an uphill battle to make the team's initial 53-man roster, but he returns to the organization to serve as emergency depth on the practice squad. The 28-year-old running back has been a productive running back in every season of his seven-year career, but barring injury, he likely won't be fantasy relevant to start the 2022 campaign.
Duke Johnson RB FA Tue 8/30/22 9:07 AM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
The Bills are releasing Johnson, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Johnson worked behind Devin Singletary, Zack Moss and James Cook during the preseason, likely needing an injury ahead of him to make the 53-man roster. The Bills hope to keep him on their practice squad instead.
Duke Johnson RB FA Sat 8/27/22 12:14 PM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
Johnson rushed six times for 20 yards and caught one of two targets for two yards during Buffalo's preseason loss to Carolina on Friday.
EDGE Analysis
The versatile veteran is no lock to make the team given that Devin Singletary, rookie James Cook and Zack Moss all appear to be locks, plus Taiwan Jones is a special teams ace and has been with the team for years. That said, it's that versatility that could land Johnson a possible spot as a No. 4/5 running back in a dynamic offense. This is a loaded team, so his name will be one to watch when the Bills make their final roster cuts.
Duke Johnson RB FA Fri 8/5/22 12:31 PM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
Johnson worked with the wide receivers in practice Thursday to improve his route running and footwork, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Johnson's on the roster bubble in Buffalo, but if he makes it, it will be due to his pass-catching ability. He and rookie second-round pick James Cook were both used with the wide receivers Thursday to flesh out their receiving skills while Devin Singletary and Zack Moss worked with the running backs as usual.
Duke Johnson RB FA Mon 3/21/22 1:17 PM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
Johnson agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
After coming close to landing J.D. McKissic in free agency, the Bills instead have brought in Johnson, who handled a key role for the Dolphins down the stretch last season. The 28-year-old will provide his new team with valuable veteran depth, while Johnson's ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield should make him worthy of PPR consideration while working behind Buffalo's top back Devin Singletary. The Bills also have Zack Moss under contract for the next two seasons.
Duke Johnson RB FA Mon 1/10/22 1:59 AM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
Johnson carried the ball 25 times for 117 yards and a touchdown and caught his only target for five yards in Sunday's 33-24 win over the Patriots.
EDGE Analysis
It was another dazzling performance from the veteran back, and Johnson capped his day with a one-yard TD plunge in the third quarter that gave the Dolphins a 24-10 lead. After barely seeing the field for most of the season, he seized the No. 1 job for Miami over the final month and piled up 353 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. A free agent in the offseason, it's not clear whether the Dolphins will even want Johnson back or whether they'll look for younger options in the backfield, but the 28-year-old may have at least earned himself another chance at a significant role with some team in 2022.
Duke Johnson RB FA Sun 1/2/22 8:00 PM
Duke Johnson
RB FA
Johnson rushed seven times for 49 yards and brought in two of three targets for 16 yards in the Dolphins' 34-3 loss to the Titans on Sunday.
EDGE Analysis
Johnson again led the Dolphins in rushing yards in an efficient performance, and the veteran recorded multiple grabs for the first time in four games with the Dolphins. The 28-year-old logged two more carries than Myles Gaskin, and he could again helm the ground attack in Week 18 against the Patriots.