After three years in Detroit, Kerryon Johnson has gone through a more complicated 2021. The former second-round pick has been with three teams this year, with more looming on the radar at various points.
The Packers joined the latter contingent, bringing in the ex-Lions starter for a workout. Green Bay has run into another Aaron Jones MCL issue, creating a temporary need in its backfield.
[RELATED: Jones To Miss Time With Knee Injury]
Once the new Lions regime waived Johnson earlier this year, the Eagles claimed him. The Dolphins had submitted a claim as well. Philly, however, cut ties with the ex-Auburn standout in August. Johnson landed in San Francisco in September, amid the 49ers’ early-season injury struggles at running back, but barely lasted into October with the team. He has also met with the Raiders and Washington this year.
Green Bay is set to use A.J. Dillon as its starter during Jones’ absence, with second-year UDFA Patrick Taylor residing as the other running back on the 8-2 team’s active roster. Kylin Hill is on IR, with a knee injury knocking the Mississippi State rookie out for the season. The Packers have Ryquell Armstead and 2019 seventh-rounder Kerrith Whyte on their practice squad. Johnson, who rushed for 641 yards in 10 games as a rookie, played in one game for the 49ers this season.
White was not a Packers draft pick.
Johnson had such great potential until he got injured…hoping this kid gets a break as he seems to be a good RB when (???) healthy.
Johnson’s running style actually had some similarities to Jones’-mostly in how they were smaller guys who ran between the tackles with the appearance of a much larger back. Johnson obviously has fallen a bit from his early form, but I could see this being an easier transition until Jones is healthy again. Hopefully for Green Bay Johnson still has some contributions left in his tank.