Rookie running back Duke Johnson practiced in pads Saturday for the first time since Aug. 1, and hardly looked like he'd been nursing a sore hamstring for the past three weeks.
Johnson churned out some yards in a 9-on-9 inside running drill and then had a pass from Josh McCown glance off his hands in 7-on-7s. He later caught a post route from Johnny Manziel in 7-on-7s and then a right screen from McCown, which he turned upfield for a long gain.
"His legs looked fresh,'' said Pettine. "I am not sure who he beat on the inside post – He looks explosive."
On one play, fellow back Isaiah Crowell blocked for him.
Johnson is ranked 36th on our RB list but may start to climb if he continues to look good. The Brows backfield is a bit crowded but is searching for that lead back that has escaped them for a while now. Johnson has also created some buzz in the passing game and may have more PPR value.
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