After putting together what was his 7th double-digit fantasy output in his last 8 games and recording his highest rushing total since Week 7, Kerryon Johnson went down with what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the 3rd quarter on Sunday. Early reports have been promising, however, labeling the Lions stud rookie as week-to-week with a sprained knee. With the Lions annual Thanksgiving Day game looming, however, Johnson is listed as doubtful for Week 12 and is not expected to suit up.
This is a huge blow for owners of Kerryon Johnson, who was the 17th-ranked fantasy RB entering Week 11. Despite missing almost the entire second half on Sunday he had already amassed 87 yards and a TD on the ground, as well as 10 receiving yards on 2 catches. Johnson was the undisputed RB1 in Detroit and should resume that role once healthy, but that could come after a few weeks on the sidelines in sweats, especially with the short week upcoming.
The Lions backfield doesn’t have much to offer as far as a replacement for Johnson; the trio of Theo Riddick, LeGarrette Blount, and Zach Zenner will attempt to fill his role, and as a group they’ve averaged just 2.6 yards per carry in 2018. Johnson is obviously worth holding onto while he misses time –unless reports come out that indicate a more serious ailment — but if you’re looking for a stop-gap at running back, steer clear of the Motor City.
