Who Should I Start? Travis Homer or D'Ernest Johnson

Thursday, October 19, 3:27 PM

Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (hamstring) was upgraded to a full participant in practice on Thursday. Homer was injured in Week 5 and sat out of the Week 6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but he's trending toward returning this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Khalil Herbert (ankle) is on Injured Reserve and rookie Roschon Johnson is still in the league's concussion protocol, so Homer could have an elevated role as a pass-catcher out of the backfield alongside D'Onta Foreman and Darrynton Evans this weekend if Johnson is inactive again. However, the 25-year-old is nothing more than a desperation flex play in PPR leagues with rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent likely to be leading Chicago's offense against the Raiders this week.

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.