BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Three weeks ago D’Ernest Johnson was the toast of the town.
The NFL, for that matter.
With quarterback Baker Mayfield and fellow backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt sidelined, Johnson carried the load and the Browns to a 17-14 win over the Broncos on Thursday night football.
Sunday afternoon at New England Johnson could be called upon again.
“It just means a lot that the team trusts me and that they have a lot of faith in to go out there and make plays,” Johnson said. “That speaks a lot.”
As of Thursday night, Johnson is the only running back on the active roster.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Hunt, who remains on injured reserve with a calf injury, would not return this week while Chubb was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday along with Demetric Felton following positive tests raising concerns the entire position group could be wiped out.
“It is an unfortunate situation,” Johnson said. “Those guys, they are feeling good. Just hoping to get those guys back before Sunday.”
There remains a chance, albeit slim.
In accordance with the agreed protocols for this season between the NFL and NFLPA, Chubb and Felton must test negative twice 24 hours apart to come off the COVID list. They must also be activated by 4 p.m. Saturday to be eligible to play against the Patriots meaning the first negative test would need to come Friday.
“Right now, all I know is there is still a chance,” offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said. “I do not know how large that chance is or when that chance is, but we will take as long as we need to and as long as we possibly can. We will see what happens there when we get to game time.”
Johnson, who admitted his surprise that he too did not test positive this week after being a close contact of both Chubb and Felton, is taking precautions to avoid joining his teammates in the COVID list.
“I just try to stay safe, keep my mask and just try to do all of the little things right,” Johnson said.
Johnson ran for 146 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos on 22 carries.
This week, his workload could be larger, which he believes he is ready for and the Browns are willing to give him the ball.
“It is definitely a good feeling to know that there is a guy who has been productive really every time he has touched the ball for us,” Van Pelt said. “Even last week, he had some tough looks there at the end of the game when they were bringing one more than we could block, and he was making guys miss. I feel very confident he will come out and perform for us like he has in the past if he needs to.”
Johnson has carried it 12 times for 38 yards and a touchdown in the two games since.
“Right now, I am just playing my role,” Johnson said. “Whatever they have me doing, I just try to go out there and do it to the best of my ability. If it is coming in on short downs, third downs or whatever, I just have to go out there and make a play for the team. That is my biggest key.”