Who Should I Start? D'Ernest Johnson or Trey Sermon

Tuesday, March 12, 12:39 PM

The Jacksonville Jaguars are re-signing running back D'Ernest Johnson to a one-year deal, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 28-year-old hit the open market on Monday but ultimately ended up coming back to the team's crowded running back room. Starter Travis Etienne has a secure spot as the lead back, while 2023 rookie Tank Bigsby is expected to see an enhanced role in 2024. This leaves Johnson in the RB3 and special teams running back role, so he'll remain off the fantasy radar next season unless both Etienne and Bigsby suffer injuries and miss time simultaneously. Johnson has rushed for just 846 yards since entering the NFL in 2019 with the Cleveland Browns.

Tuesday, June 25, 2:51 PM

With no clear replacement for Zack Moss after he left in free agency this offseason, the likeliest option to ascend to the No. 2 running back spot behind starter Jonathan Taylor appears to be Indianapolis Colts RB Trey Sermon. His hard running style has earned him the first crack at the job during offseason workouts. Sermon is on his third team in four seasons in the NFL, but this is the closest he's come to establishing some consistency in his career. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2023. Things are looking up for Sermon with training camp on the horizon, but fellow backups Evan Hull and Tyler Goodson will also be factors in the competition this summer and in the preseason. The 25-year-old Sermon had 35 carries for 160 yards last year in Indy and would be a popular waiver-wire pickup in fantasy leagues if Taylor misses more time with an injury in 2024.