Brandon

Johnson

Scott was let go by the Rams during final roster cutdowns and now lands with the Steelers. The veteran running back won’t be threatening for offensive snaps any time soon but could earn a look as a returner if somebody were to miss time with an injury. In addition to Scott, the Steelers also signed wide receivers Ben Skowronek and Brandon Johnson to the practice squad.

Johnson had 25 receptions over two seasons with Denver. Last season, Johnson had 11 catches — including a touchdown — over the season’s final three games as a Broncos starter. The team parting ways with Johnson and Tim Patrick likely mean Marvin Mims will be used as a full-time player in 2024.

Johnson spent most of his 2023 as a depth option for the Broncos, earning more than two targets in a game three times. That didn’t stop him from bringing down four touchdowns, good for second-most on the team. All four came from Russell Wilson. Johnson’s most memorable grab was a tip-drill Hail Mary that landed in his arms. The Broncos failed on their two-point conversion after the touchdown and lost to the Commanders. Johnson will remain stuck behind Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, and Jerry Jeudy in 2024.

Johnson had played ahead of electric rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims to start the season, with his absence allowing Mims to start seeing more offensive involvement. It remains to be seen what kind of role Johnson will have upon his return to the active roster, but he will make his return in Week 13 against the Texans with the team in the midst of a five-game win streak.

Johnson was placed on the IR after Week 8 and now that his four weeks have passes, he’s eligible to begin practicing. This will open up his 21-day window to be activated off the IR and put on the 53-man roster. The second-year pro had eight catches for 122 yards and three touchdowns in seven games prior to getting hurt.

The team elevated wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith in an associated move but the collective fantasy community has been waiting with breath held to see Marvin Mims in a more robust role in this offense. Johnson’s placement on injured reserve could provide the path for the electric rookie to finally see more than a handful of snaps weekly.

Johnson was downgraded to a DNP on Friday and looks like a long-shot to play. This could open up a few more routes for Marvin Mims, but we know better than to bet on extra reps for the most eclectic receiver the Broncos have. Instead, this will inexplicably clear the way for more Lil’Jordan Humphrey routes.

Johnson played the WR4 role a week after catching two touchdowns against the Commanders — a fluky performance if there ever was one. Johnson is not fantasy viable with Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Marvin Mims running as the Broncos’ top-three receiving options.

Johnson’s first score came on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson early in the third quarter, but his second touchdown is the one worth talking about. As time expired, Wilson heaved a 50-yard Hail Mary pass into the end zone, that was batted on three separate occasions before eventually landing in Johnson’s hands. The Broncos failed to convert the two-point conversion they needed to force overtime, but Johnson was in the right place at the right time for a potential game-changing play. Johnson has seen six targets through two games and is off the fantasy radar. Going forward, we would prefer any touchdowns the Broncos consider throwing to him end up in the hands of players we actually drafted.

Johnson (6'2"/195) helped UCF capitalize on an early Navy turnover with a 15 yard strike over the middle to open the games scoring. He was also the recipient of a perfect throw off a corner route from QB Mikey Keane for his second score, but UCF was held to just seven points in the second half and a furious defensive performance by Navy saw the Knights fall. That defense forced Johnson to fumble the ball with 9:11 left in the fourth quarter, and Navy would end up scoring on the ensuing drive. Navy’s Diego Fagot who was a defensive stalwart smashed into Johnson from behind and forced the ball out. UCF will hope for a better result next week against East Carolina.