The Cleveland Browns are aiming to have a dynamic rushing attack to help quarterback play improve in 2015. The current rotation has come under fire for the Browns as doubt remains in whether or not the Browns have the right talent in place to excel. As Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West battle it out for the starting spot, Duke Johnson returns to the field to give the team a needed boost.
Through two preseason games, the run game for the Browns has been lackluster at best. Injuries and ball security have been an issue at this point in the preseason causing the team to get linked to players like Ray Rice and Pierre Thomas in free agency. However, head coach Mike Pettine remains confident that everything will itself sorted out as no one is hitting the panic button yet.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Johnson is returning to add to the mix. The former Miami standout has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that has derailed his progress in the offense. As Johnson makes a slow return, Pettine is noting that time is a concern in getting him ready to play Week 1.
"He looked really good for us when we were in shorts throughout the spring. He needs some live reps. That's asking a lot of a rookie to put him out there week one with minimal full speed, full contact reps with the particular units. This is a big week. These next two weeks are big for Duke," Pettine said, via the Plain Dealer.
Johnson has made it very clear that he wants to be the starter. After getting drafted, there was a lot of belief that he could actually be the top running back, but he has been sidelined since Aug. 1 which is a concern for Cleveland. Johnson is predicted to be the second coming of Darren Sproles and should play a critical role in the passing and running game once he is fully healthy. If he can grasp things quickly, there is a solid chance that Johnson does get some time as the starter.
"I feel like I can (start) but that's not my decision,'' Johnson said. "The only thing I can actually control is come out here and play football every day and push my teammates. If I'm not that starting guy, just know whoever is that starting guy, that's the man for the job because we came out here and competed and we push each other to be the best."
For now, Crowell has the edge in the battle over West. Josh McCown will be the starter with Johnny Manziel injured and the two must develop better chemistry if a clear starter is going to emerge from the three-headed rushing attack. Time will tell if that is Johnson or not.
