Emmett Johnson
Running Back
Emmett Johnson News
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
Emmett Johnson Earns Praise for his Pass Protection
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson is drawing praise from head coach Andy Reid for his work in pass protection. Reid said that Johnson's work in pass protection is one of the main reasons he's the RB2 right now, Charles Goldman reports. The rookie is playing so well that he beat out Emari Demercado for the backup role behind Kenneth Walker to begin the season. The expectation is that Johnson will serve as the change-of-pace back behind Walker. Johnson seems to be doing everything well and is one of the most important handcuffs in fantasy. The 22-year-old is well worth a look in the late rounds on draft day.
Sep 2, 2026 6:22 PM EST
Emmett Johnson Sees His Handcuff Value Soar Following Sunday's Cuts
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson ran hard in three preseason contests, averaging 4.7 yards per carry while bringing in six of his seven targets, showing enough for the team to comfortably move on from veteran Emari Demercado, who was just signed to a one-year deal in free agency. The Chiefs kept only three running backs on their initial 53-man roster, hinting at a potential three-down role for Kenneth Walker III and one of the league's most valuable insurance roles for Johnson. Brashard Smith adds versatility and special teams prowess, but Johnson figures to serve as the team's primary change-of-pace back and is capable of handling a bell cow role if needed after seeing more than 300 opportunities in his final year at Nebraska, turning in one of the most productive seasons of any back in the nation. While Walker's projected usage is likely to limit the rookie's standalone value, Johnson has quickly become one of the most important handcuffs in fantasy and is worthy of a late-round selection in deeper leagues.
Aug 31, 2026 5:50 AM EST
Emmett Johnson Appears To Be The Chiefs Backup To Roster
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson handled seven carries for 39 yards (5.6 ypc) and caught two passes for 15 yards in the 9-9 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. Johnson earned nine total opportunities in the content, including all five of the first running back opportunities. Johnson's 5.6 yards per carry were highest the highest mark for any rusher in this game. The 22-year-old out of Nebraska appears to be establishing himself as the running back to roster behind Chiefs workhorse Kenneth Walker. Johnson is officially listed third in the Chiefs running back depth chart, but that could just be a formality. Emari Demercado is currently listed as the Chiefs RB2, but is likely to operate as more of a third-down or passing-down specialist kind of back in the Kansas City offense. Johnson has the build, tackle-breaking ability, and pass-catching chops to step into a large role should anything happen to the Chiefs starter. Johnson should be viewed as a potential handcuff to roster for the 2026 season.
Aug 29, 2026 12:35 AM EST
Emmett Johnson the Clear RB2 in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs rookie fifth-round running back Emmett Johnson appears to be the clear No. 2 RB in KC in training camp behind starter Kenneth Walker, with Johnson getting the next touch after Walker in 9-on-7 drills in Monday's practice, according to Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. Head coach Andy Reid had good things to say about the Nebraska product after he carried the ball 12 times for 59 yards and caught all three of his targets for 10 yards during the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Johnson's carries and rushing yards led the team. The 22-year-old was listed as the RB3 on the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason behind Walker and Emari Demercado, but if Johnson continues to run hard and look good in camp and the preseason, it would not be a surprise at all to see him open his rookie campaign as the primary backup in KC. In addition to Demercado, Johnson is competing with Brashard Smith for the backup role. Walker will be close to a bell-cow back in his first year with the Chiefs, but Johnson's pass-catching ability alone might make him the best upside handcuff option in KC.
Aug 17, 2026 7:54 AM EST
Emmett Johnson Productive in Pro Debut, Emerging as Potential Stash Candidate
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson was productive during his preseason debut versus the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. He rushed the ball 12 times for 59 yards and hauled in all three of his targets for 10 additional yards through the air in the loss. Johnson led all running backs in both carries and rushing yards during Saturday's game. Head coach Andy Reid noted after the game that Johnson ran the ball hard and aggressively during this game. The rookie back is currently listed as the RB3, but could make a push for the second-string role. His next chance to impress will come against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 22.
Aug 15, 2026 6:46 PM EST
Emmett Johnson Working with Second and Third Team in Camp
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has yet to emerge in training camp and has been working with the second- and third-team offenses. Johnson was drafted with the Chiefs' fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Nebraska. He totaled 1,821 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards. Now behind Kenneth Walker III and Brashard Smith and competing with veteran Emari Demercado, Johnson appears likely to be a non-factor early in the season. Fantasy managers who draft the rookie running back should expect a slow start and a potentially increased role if injuries occur to backs above him on the depth chart.
Aug 7, 2026 7:00 PM EST
Emmett Johnson Named as a Faller in Chiefs Camp
The Athletic's Jesse Newell considers Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson a faller early in training camp this summer after he was selected in the fifth round in April's NFL draft. Newell likes Johnson's long-term prospects with the organization, but as of now, he has "been a clear fourth in the RB pecking order in practices," behind both Brashard Smith and Emari Demercado. At minimum, KC should have plenty of special teams work for the rookie. Head coach Andy Reid said earlier this week that the team wants to see Johnson keep his pad level lower while running. "You go high at this level, and you're going to get rearranged," Reid said. "And you don't want that to happen." Right now, the Chiefs feel more comfortable with their other depth options at the position behind RB1 Kenneth Walker III. The 22-year-old from the University of Nebraska could make up some ground as camp goes on and in preseason action, but as things currently stand, he's merely a dynasty/keeper stash.
Aug 7, 2026 1:00 PM EST
Emmett Johnson has Interesting Handcuff Value
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson could be a sneaky stash option for fantasy managers this season. The Chiefs selected the Nebraska running back in the fourth-round of this year's draft. The expectation is that the rookie back is going to compete for the backup role with Brashard Smith and Emari Demercado. The Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to be the workhorse back in Kansas City for years to come. His presence is going to diminish Johnson's overall upside. It's noteworthy that Walker has only played one full season since making his debut in 2022. Fantasy managers should view Johnson as an interesting handcuff candidate give Walker's injury history. The rookie back is certainly someone to look at in the middle rounds of dynasty rookie drafts.
Jul 22, 2026 5:58 PM EST
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