Who Should I Start? Nyheim Hines or D'Ernest Johnson

Tuesday, August 27, 5:14 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines (knee), who is coming off surgery for a torn ACL, will remain on the Non-Football Injury list for the start of the 2024 regular season and will miss at least the first four games. Hines and fellow RB Nick Chubb (knee) pushed each other and made great strides during their rehab, but they both need more time and won't be available until at least a Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders on the road. The 27-year-old Hines tore his ACL when he was hit by a jet ski last summer and missed all of the 2023 campaign. At best, he'll be a pass-catching option on third downs for the Browns when he's able to return, making him only worth a flier in deep PPR leagues that have multiple IR spots. As things stand right now, Cleveland's RB room only includes Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. after they released D'Onta Foreman on Tuesday.

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.