Duke Johnson looks 'explosive' in full pads

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.

Fantasy Impact: 

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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