Who Should I Start? D'Ernest Johnson or Sione Vaki

Saturday, August 2, 4:10 PM

The Baltimore Ravens have signed running back D'Ernest Johnson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Johnson joins Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, and Rasheen Ali as depth options in Baltimore behind star running back Derrick Henry. In 14 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season Johnson gained 239 yards from scrimmage on 44 total touches and did not find the end zone. The 29-year-old's most productive NFL season came in 2021, when he rushed for over 500 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games for the Cleveland Browns. Hill is a proven commodity as Baltimore's primary passing-down back, so Johnson could be battling with Mitchell for the RB3 role.

Monday, July 21, 9:27 PM

Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (leg) left practice on Monday with a leg injury and did not return, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. The Lions drafted Vaki out of Utah in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. The 23-year-old mostly played safety in college, but Detroit drafted him as a running back and has been developing him at the position. Stuck behind David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Craig Reynolds in a crowded Lions' backfield, Vaki mostly played special teams as a rookie. He played in 16 games but recorded just six rushing attempts. Vaki is unlikely to be a factor in fantasy this season either way, but a serious injury could impact his long-term outlook. His status will become clearer when Lions head coach Dan Campbell next meets with the media.