Emmett Johnson

Kansas City Chiefs
Running Back
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

Emmett Johnson News RotoBaller

Emmett Johnson Finds End Zone in Week 9, Remains a Top Handcuff Option

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson had six carries for 34 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs' 35-12 win over the New York Jets. The rookie running back continues to produce efficient numbers in 2026, averaging 8.7 yards per touch and breaking a tackle on every 8.7 carries, which ranks behind only Jaylen Warren. While Johnson has been so productive that he would likely be a starting back on over half the teams in the NFL, he's behind the league's leading rusher, Kenneth Walker III. Walker had another huge outing, totaling 143 scrimmage yards and scoring three touchdowns on 22 attempts. With Walker handling the majority of the work in the backfield, Johnson still only factors in as a backup. Fantasy managers should still target Johnson if he's available on the waiver wire, as he should continue to be one of the most productive backup running backs in the league.

Nov 9, 2026 4:34 AM EST

Emmett Johnson a Promising Bench Stash

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson is a worthy bench stash as we head into the back half of the fantasy season. Johnson has been used sparingly as a rusher this year behind workhorse teammate Kenneth Walker. However, when given the opportunity, he's flashed his ability as an impact player. Most recently, the rookie came alive in a big way in the team's Week 8 loss to the Broncos. The Minneapolis, Minnesota native hauled in all five of his targets for a staggering 128 yards and a touchdown on the back of a 73-yard catch-and-run. Owners can't rely on that kind of volume from Johnson every week, though it's worth noting he's been a strong option when called upon and ranks third on the team in receiving yards (237) on minimal opportunities. Johnson is unlikely to turn the Chiefs' backfield into a committee, but he could siphon off more work moving forward. Head coach Andy Reid is notorious for making rookies earn their stripes. The 23-year-old is one of fantasy's most critical handcuffs.

Nov 7, 2026 9:23 PM EST

Emmett Johnson Could See More Touches Against Jets

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson could find himself some more involvement in the offense this Sunday against the New York Jets. Despite only handling one carry for 15 yards in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos, Johnson made a huge impact in the receiving game. Johnson caught five passes for 128 yards and a touchdown in his limited snap role, breaking off a 73-yard catch-and-run that culminated in a trip to the end zone. The 23-year-old out of Nebraska has been an impactful player nearly every time he's touched the ball this season, breaking tackles left and right, and he will get the chance to continue his impressive play against the Jets. The Jets defense has been a soft matchup for running backs in recent weeks, so Johnson could be set up nicely to build on his momentum. Kenneth Walker is still the RB1 on the team, but Johnson could earn a few more carries and targets per game if he continues displaying his explosiveness and per-touch efficiency. Johnson is ranked RB47 in our RotoBaller Week 9 PPR rankings, making him a low-end flex option this week. While a path to weekly flex viability could open up soon, it isn't open yet, so fantasy managers should treat Johnson as more of a stash candidate with tons of upside.

Nov 6, 2026 11:14 AM EST

Emmett Johnson Establishing Flex Value Through Receiving Profile

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson has seen his target total rise in four consecutive games, culminating in a season-high five receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Broncos. With the Chiefs in search of consistent producers in the passing game, the fifth-round rookie now ranks third on the team with his 237 receiving yards, presenting enough standalone value to make him a viable weekly flex option. Coupled with the week-winning potential he offers as a direct handcuff to Kenneth Walker, Johnson has emerged as a must-roster player and is a priority waiver add wherever still available.

Nov 2, 2026 8:25 AM EST

Emmett Johnson Plays Massive Role in Receiving Game

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson played a major role in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. So far this season, Johnson has mostly been a non-factor with Kenneth Walker III leading the way on the ground. Johnson was once again quiet on the ground with one carry for 15 yards. However, Johnson played a huge role in the receiving game during the Week 8 loss. Johnson hauled in all five of his targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. His biggest play of the game came on a 73-yard touchdown grab mid-way through the second quarter. Johnson has seen an increased role in the passing game in recent weeks. The expectation is that he'll continue seeing a handful of targets given his recent success. He's still off the fantasy radar in most formats ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the New York Jets.

Nov 1, 2026 3:25 PM EST

Emmett Johnson Remains a Priority Handcuff Back to Target on the Waiver Wire

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has seen very limited usage in his team's offense to this point in 2026, recording 19 carries for 62 yards and nine catches for 109 yards on 11 targets. The Chiefs have given almost all of their backfield work to superstar RB1 Kenneth Walker, who currently leads the NFL in both yards per rush attempt and rushing yards per game. As long as Walker remains healthy, Johnson is highly unlikely to provide fantasy managers with consistently relevant production. However, Walker is also currently on pace to log nearly 400 touches this season, which may be an unsustainable workload. If Walker were to get injured, Johnson could assume a three-down role in Kansas City and would immediately vault into must-start territory for fantasy managers. In leagues where he remains available, Johnson profiles as a priority waiver wire handcuff stash.

Oct 26, 2026 12:12 PM EST

Emmett Johnson a Fine Bench Stash

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson hasn't been involved enough to garner standalone value in his rookie season. However, he's a worthy bench stash as we approach the halfway mark of the campaign. Johnson isn't the fastest or most agile back, but he runs hard and had a nice role in the receiving game during his tenure at the University of Nebraska. In the former Cornhusker's final two collegiate seasons, he piled up an 85/656/5 line through the air. While he hasn't had the same opportunity in the pros, Johnson is poised to fill a pristine role if backfield mate Kenneth Walker III ever misses time. For now, fantasy managers with an extra bench spot would do well to stow the 23-year-old away for a rainy day. Johnson is the clear handcuff to own in Kansas City, and could see a slight uptick in touches this Sunday night with teammate Brashard Smith (hamstring) being placed on IR.

Oct 24, 2026 8:17 PM EST

Emmett Johnson Should Remain on the Bench in Week 7

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson continues to be an intriguing handcuff, but he lacks standalone value for fantasy football lineups against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7. Johnson has seen his receiving involvement increase over the last few weeks, and he ultimately finished last Sunday's game with three targets, two catches, and 18 receiving yards, as well as three carries for six rushing yards. There's no path to weekly fantasy value for Johnson as long as Kenneth Walker III is healthy, but he's a very intriguing handcuff option in case Walker ever misses any time. For now, though, the 23-year-old rookie can be left on the bench in 12+ team leagues, and he can be left on waivers in most fantasy formats with fewer than 10 teams.

Oct 23, 2026 8:42 PM EST

Emmett Johnson a High-End Handcuff as Receiving Role Grows

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson continues to generate some fantasy appeal in deeper leagues, especially after catching two of three targets for 18 receiving yards in Week 6. Although Thompson is averaging just 4.5 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues, his respectable target total can't be ignored. Even more intriguing than his target share, though, is his role as the handcuff behind Kenneth Walker III. Walker has been exceptional in a workhorse role this season, ranking as the overall RB2 with 24.0 touches per game. If Walker were to ever miss time, those would be enormous shoes to fill, leaving Johnson in an immediate fantasy-relevant role. He's a mere stash for now, but he has the potential to be a weekly top-24 running back in the event that Kansas City's primary running back suffers an injury. As a result, Johnson is an intriguing waiver wire target in 12+ team leagues, especially for fantasy managers who already have Walker on their rosters.

Oct 19, 2026 9:14 PM EST

Emmett Johnson Still Carries High-End Handcuff Appeal Coming Out of Bye Week

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has played a limited role in his team's offense so far this season, recording 130 yards from scrimmage on 21 touches across four games. Johnson is stuck on the Chiefs' running back depth chart behind superstar back Kenneth Walker, who is currently averaging a ridiculous 134.3 rushing yards per game. As long as Walker remains healthy, Johnson is unlikely to see enough work to provide fantasy-relevant production. However, Walker is also currently on pace to log 420 touches this season, which would blow past his previous career high of 255. If Walker were to get hurt at any point this year, Johnson would immediately vault into the top-24 conversation at the running back position for fantasy managers. With the Chiefs' Week 4 bye now behind them, Johnson profiles as a priority handcuff option to target on the waiver wire.

Oct 12, 2026 12:37 PM EST

Emmett Johnson Remains a Priority Handcuff Running Back Target on the Waiver Wire

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson recorded just one touch in his team's Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, hauling in a 10-yard reception on his only target. Johnson is stuck on the depth chart behind superstar running back Kenneth Walker, who has gotten off to a dominant start to the 2026 season. However, Johnson has been effective in his limited opportunities, averaging 6.2 yards per touch on his 21 total touches. Walker is also currently on pace to record over 400 touches, which would blow his previous career high of 255 touches out of the water. If the Chiefs decide to scale back Walker's workload, Johnson could get a chance to prove he can be a reliable contributor. At worst, Johnson profiles as a premier handcuff running back option who fantasy managers should target on the waiver wire in leagues where he remains available.

Oct 5, 2026 12:25 PM EST

Emmett Johnson To Maintain RB2 Role In Las Vegas

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson will face the Las Vegas Raiders on the road in Week 4. The 22-year-old has been electrifying in his limited touches behind starter Kenneth Walker, placing among the league's best in forced missed tackles per attempt. Despite not catching a single pass in last week's contest, Johnson has been particularly efficient as a pass catcher out of the backfield. The rookie will now get to face the tough Raiders defense in an AFC West matchup this Sunday. Despite his success, Johnson's fantasy value is ultimately tied to the health of Walker. As long as Walker remains healthy, Johnson will remain in a secondary role. Johnson will look to make the most of his touches against a tough Raiders defense. The Raiders have been a turnover machine in the first three weeks, racking up four interceptions and five recovered fumbles, which is a testament to the strength and aggressiveness of the unit. Johnson is ranked RB43 in our RotoBaller Week 4 PPR rankings, making him a deep league flex option for those struggling with running back injuries this week.

Oct 2, 2026 11:19 AM EST

Emmett Johnson Solidifies Handcuff Status as Usage Grows

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson has solidified his status as the No. 2 option on the depth chart behind Kenneth Walker. It seemed pretty evident that Johnson was second in line after handling 10 carries and four receptions through the first two weeks, and he reinforced his presence as a handcuff with six carries and a 27% snap share in Week 3. Johnson doesn't quite have standalone value in fantasy football, but he should still be a waiver wire target because of the insurance he offers behind Walker. Walker is the overall RB2 in fantasy football with 76 touches and four touchdowns this year, and if he were to miss time, a lot of that volume would be passed on to Johnson. The rookie is a top waiver wire target, especially for managers who have Walker in their lineups and rely on him for substantial production every week.

Sep 28, 2026 6:51 AM EST

Emmett Johnson Should See More Opportunities Against Miami

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has been electric with the ball in his hands and his excellent play should earn him more opportunities moving forward. Johnson handled two carries for 15 yards and caught two passes for 20 yards in the 33-30 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. The rookie back has been working behind Kenneth Walker, who has been spectacular to start the season, but Johnson has been impressive in his own right. The 22-year-old has been one of the best backs in the league in terms of missed tackles forced per attempt. Johnson's ability to elude and run through tacklers makes him a dynamic playmaker in the open field. Johnson should see more work this week when the Chiefs take on the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins defense has been poor to start the year, so Johnson could be valuable even in a backup role. Johnson is ranked RB39 in our RotoBaller Week 3 PPR rankings, making him a borderline RB3 heading into Miami. Johnson should be considered one of the best handcuff running backs to roster in fantasy football while also carrying some standalone value.

Sep 25, 2026 12:43 PM EST

Emmett Johnson Will Continue to Get More Snaps in Kansas City

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that rookie running back Emmett Johnson will continue to be more involved in the team's offense as the season progresses, per Soren Petro of Sports Radio 810 WHB. Johnson has been extremely efficient on a limited workload through the first two games of his NFL career, recording 103 scrimmage yards on 14 touches. The Chiefs have leaned heavily on RB1 Kenneth Walker so far, and Walker has recorded 369 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 56 touches. As long as Walker remains healthy, it may be difficult for Johnson to provide consistent production for fantasy managers. Still, it appears as though the Chiefs are happy with Johnson's progress and could find ways to get him more involved going forward. Heading into Week 3, Johnson profiles as a high-upside handcuff running back option with some season-long standalone upside.

Sep 21, 2026 12:37 PM EST

Emmett Johnson Remains a Strong Long-Term Stash

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson remains a strong stash heading into Week 3, even though Kenneth Walker III continues to control the backfield. Johnson played only 14 snaps against Indianapolis, but he made good use of them, carrying twice for 15 yards and catching both of his targets for 20 yards. Through two games, the rookie has 10 carries for 39 yards and four catches for 64 yards while playing 36.2% of Kansas City's offensive snaps. That is not enough standalone work to trust in a starting lineup, especially with Walker established as the lead back. Johnson has still done enough to separate himself as the Chiefs' clear No. 2, and his involvement as a receiver gives him more appeal than a traditional handcuff. RotoBaller currently lists him among its secondary running back waiver options. Fantasy managers with room on the bench can view Johnson as a long-term stash with considerable upside if Walker ever misses time.

Sep 21, 2026 7:35 AM EST

Emmett Johnson Will Look To Expand His Role Sunday Night

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson displayed his elusiveness and pass-catching ability in Week 1. Johnson rushed eight times for 24 yards and caught two passes for 44 yards. Both of his catches led to explosive plays, one for 19 yards and the other for 25 yards. The rookie showed that the Chiefs really found something in the back out of Nebraska and his role may increase if he continues to impress. Johnson's next opportunity to show off will be against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. The Colts just gave up 202 rushing yards to the Baltimore Ravens, so even if fellow back Kenneth Walker goes off there should still be enough chances for Johnson to perform. The 22-year-old's upside will be capped running behind Walker, but he should be more and more involved if he continues to do well with his limited touches. Johnson is ranked RB49 in our RotoBaller Week 2 PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option in deep leagues. Johnson remains a better bench stash than an option to plug into lineups for Week 2.

Sep 18, 2026 12:56 PM EST

Emmett Johnson Has Already Earned a Bigger Fantasy Look

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson made a strong first impression Monday night, turning eight carries into 24 yards and catching both of his targets for another 44 yards in a 31-10 win over Denver. Kenneth Walker was the clear lead back, piling up 173 rushing yards on 23 carries, but Johnson still played 25 snaps and ran 10 routes in his NFL debut. That is the part worth chasing. The fifth-round rookie is now listed second on Kansas City's depth chart, and his two receptions included gains of 19 and 25 yards. Some of Johnson's work came after the Chiefs had taken control, so fantasy managers should not treat 10 touches as a guaranteed weekly floor. He does not need to be in Week 2 lineups against Indianapolis, either. Johnson has already shown enough as both a runner and receiver to offer more than ordinary handcuff appeal, though. He should be one of the priority running back additions in 12-team leagues, with even more value for managers rostering Walker.

Sep 15, 2026 8:01 AM EST

Emmett Johnson To Play RB2 Role Against Denver

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson will man the RB2 role against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. Johnson has impressed throughout training camp and the preseason and has established himself as the RB2 on the Kansas City depth chart. It remains to be seen how much run he will get behind the presumptive bell-cow Kenneth Walker, but Johnson should be efficient with his opportunities. The rookie back displayed that his tackle-breaking ability has transferred over to the NFL from college as he shed defenders numerous times throughout the preseason. Johnson also showed some of his pass-catching ability, giving even more reason to view him as a desirable handcuff behind Walker. Johnson's opportunities may be few and yards may be hard to come by against the Denver defense on Monday night. The Broncos allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the NFL last season, and that run-stopping ability is likely to carry over to this year. Johnson is ranked RB56 in our RotoBaller Week 1 PPR rankings, making him a very low-end flex option in deep leagues. Fantasy managers should view Johnson as more of a handcuff/bench stash rather than an actual viable starter in his current situation.

Sep 12, 2026 11:50 AM EST

Emmett Johnson Worth Rostering as Handcuff in Powerful Offense

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson may be a fifth-round rookie, but he's already on the fantasy radar as a potential waiver wire target. Johnson will open the year as the Chiefs' No. 2 running back, largely because he impressed the coaching staff so much with his pass-blocking ability. We may not see Johnson carve out standalone fantasy value on a weekly basis in his current role, but he would jump to the lead-back role and possess RB2 value if workhorse Kenneth Walker III were to miss time. It's worth noting that the ex-Seahawk missed at least two games every year from 2022 through 2024, so Walker's managers would be justified in adding his handcuff off the waiver wire. Because of his potential to feast if Walker misses any time, Johnson should be picked up off the waiver wire in all leagues with 12+ teams.

Sep 7, 2026 9:01 PM EST