RB Kerryon Johnson - Detroit Lions

6-0, 212

Born: 6-30-1997

College: Auburn

Drafted: Round 2, pick 2018

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Photo: Sergio Estrada, US Presswire

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Preseason player page

Johnson was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury

Week 11: vs Dallas Cowboys

All RB vs DAL

FBG says: Tough matchup. Since Detroit's number-one running back, Kerryon Johnson underwent knee surgery about one month ago, the Lions' backfield has turned into a full-blown running-back-by-committee. J.D. McKissic, Ty Johnson, and Paul Perkins all see snaps, with only one of them holding down a clearly-defined role. McKissic, a former wide receiver, is the team's passing-down running back, which led to increased usage last weekend when the Lions were playing from behind against the Chicago Bears. McKissic totaled 10 carries in the game while Johnson and Perkins each registered 5 of their own in the game. The Lions' offensive line is an adequate unit, ranking 23rd in the league, according to FootballGuys' Matt Bitonti, but they are not anything to write home about. Expect all three running backs to play a factor in the Lions' backfield once again this week. McKissic is the leading candidate to see the most action this weekend if Detroit falls behind on the scoreboard as expected and needs to turn to a pass-heavy offensive approach. The Dallas Cowboys' defense is one of the most well-rounded run defenses in the NFL this season. The Cowboys rank just 17th in the league in yards per carry allowed, but against the tough schedule that they have faced, this is a very respectable mark. The Cowboys have allowed only 2 100-yard performances this season, with one coming in week 1 on the backs of one 59-yard rush by Saquon Barkley that accounted for more than 50-percent of his rushing production on the day. The second came in a heroic 19-carry, 104-yard, and 4-touchdown performance by Aaron Jones. Dallas' run defense is led by two All-Pro-level talents in the front-seven. Along the defensive line, Demarcus Lawrence is not only one of the league's best pass-rushers, but also one of the league's premier run-stoppers on the edge. Then, at linebacker, Jaylon Smith leads the team with 48 total tackles on the season. Smith grades as one of the NFL's best run-stoppers this season, and his impact in the middle of this run defense cannot be overstated. Expect the Lions to struggle to move the ball on the ground this week, especially if Matthew Stafford is unable to play, which will allow the Cowboys to load the box against backup quarterback Jeff Driskel.

Recent Stats and Projections

WEEK	OPP		oSNAP	RSH	YD	TD	TARG	REC	YD	TD	FumL	Pts
7	vs MIN		11	5	23	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	2.3
11	vs DAL	PROJ-Bloom	*	0	*	*		0.0	*	*	*	*

Weekly Performance vs RB 1, RB 12, RB 24, RB 36

Percentile ranks

Kerryon Johnson's percentile rank in each category, among RB with more than 50 fantasy points.

Recent Game Summaries

2019 Week 7 vs MIN (5 / 23 / 0 rush, 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 rec)

Kerryon Johnson left the game against the Vikings early in the first half after only five carries with a knee injury. Johnson was on a stationary bike on the sideline later in the game before being ruled out of the game. He was later placed on injured reserve.

2019 Week 6 vs GB (13 / 34 / 1 rush, 4 / 2 / 27 / 0 rec)

Kerryon Johnson had a tough day against a good Green Bay defense. He saved his fantasy day by converting his third opportunity inside the five-yard line with a fourth down goal-line touchdown. Johnson had a big play in the passing game on an excellently executed screen pass that set up a scoring chance in the red zone but dropped a ball in space on another target. Johnson has consistently struggled to catch the ball this season, which has created a lower ceiling on his fantasy prospects this season. Johnson carried 13 of the 17 running back carries in the game, which is a continuation of his consolidation of the running back workload in the backfield.

2019 Week 4 vs KC (26 / 125 / 0 rush, 3 / 2 / 32 / 0 rec)

Kerryon Johnson had the best day of the season against the Chiefs on Sunday. Johnson continuously had running room on the interior and the perimeter, which was exploited by Detroit to the tune of a season-high 26 carries. Johnson got the full workload including multiple carries inside the 10 yard but was held scoreless. Johnson had a near miss, as he got a carry at the goal line he attempted to reach into the endzone, but fumbled for a Kansas City recovery that was returned for a touchdown. Johnson missed no time because of the fumble, as he was in on the next offensive play from scrimmage where he had a good catch and run. Johnson also drew an endzone target on a well-covered go route that was broken up. After sharing work with C.J. Anderson and Ty Johnson earlier in the season, Johnson has consolidated his role as the lead back in the offense, with 28 touches to a combined nine for J.D McKissic and Ty Johnson. Johnson will have an off week in week five before facing a strong test on Monday night against the Packers in week six.

2019 Week 3 vs PHI (20 / 36 / 1 rush, 1 / 1 / 7 / 0 rec)

Kerryon Johnson had a strong start in a win against the Philadelphia Eagles. He got early work in the game and consistently made life miserable for first defenders with his elusiveness. Johnson was featured at the goal line and stopped on the first two attempts before diving over the line on third down for a touchdown. He had a good catch along the sideline on a third and long check down pass but lost some passing game work to Ty Johnson. He struggled in the second half as the Philadelphia defense swarmed to stop the run with Detroit leading. With C.J. Anderson cut during the week, Johnson will look to continue to consolidate his hold of the backfield next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

2019 Week 2 vs LAC (12 / 41 / 0 rush, 3 / 2 / 47 / 1 rec)

Kerryon Johnson was the focal point of the offense early in a win against the Chargers. He had back to back carries on the first two drives and was the beneficiary of a great play design on a screen pass for a long touchdown. Johnson bobbled the ball but secured the catch and had a caravan of blockers on the play. Johnson later dropped an out and up pass on third down. His hands have been shaky dating back to the preseason, so the trend is a troubling one. Johnson was less used later in the game, with a committee of C.J. Anderson, Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic employed throughout the game. While Johnson had more than twice as many carries than any other Detroit running back, he only had half of the backfield's carries. Johnson was consistently elusive, making life hard for any first defender, but his upside continues to be capped by Detroit's insistence in running a committee approach in the backfield. Johnson will face a tough test next week at Philadelphia.

2019 Week 1 vs ARI (16 / 49 / 0 rush, 2 / 2 / 13 / 0 rec)

Kerryon Johnson drew the start for the Detroit Lions at Arizona in week one, but only had 16 carries while C.J. Anderson had 11. Johnson ran well early, getting interior rushing space and churning yardage after contract. However, Anderson ate into his workload throughout the game and Johnson had limited passing game work. He had only two receptions, including one late on a drive attempting to kill the clock, which was a disappointment after his heavy preseason usage. Johnson's workshare with Anderson will cap his fantasy production and the allocation of touches is important to watch in future weeks including his week two game against the Chargers.