Fantasy Football Player News
Chris Johnson | RB | Tennessee Titans
Posted: 3/22/2013 12:52am et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson indicated he does not completely understand the team's signing of RB Shonn Greene but expects to be fine with the situation. 'I have never been a big fan of the two-back system, so I don't know how we plan on using him,' Johnson. 'I'm not afraid of competition, but I was thinking we'd maybe get a draft pick for the other back. And you don't give a guy that kind of money to be just a goal-line guy and in tough-yardage situations. So we'll see what happens.'
Huddle Up: This could play out 2 ways: Either Johnson will be sulking and letting it affect his game or it'll motivate a fresher CJ into turning out a more consistent effort after the wild stat swings we've witnessed from him the past couple seasons.

Posted: 2/28/2013 4:31pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson said he believes he can break the single-season rushing record set by former NFL RB Eric Dickerson. 'Every running back's goal is to break that record,' Johnson said. 'You want to break the 2,105. I believe I can do it.'
Huddle Up: After 2 straight seasons of inconsistent play from Johnson, the Titans likely would gladly settle for the CJ of 2010 who produced 1,609 total yards and 12 TDs.

Posted: 2/12/2013 11:08pm et
Tennessee Titans running backs coach Sylvester Croom said the team would like to add another running back that will work with RB Chris Johnson. 'I truly believe if you're serious about running the football, you've got to have two guys actually both able to carry the load during the season,' Croom said. '... If you're going to really run, I'm talking 30-plus times a game, there aren't many that can do that for 16 games anymore, their bodies can't take it.' Croom said the team will not look to diminish Johnson's role on offense but would like another back that can do different things and fill a different role.
Huddle Up: The Titans definitely could use a power back to carry the load between the tackles and keep CJ fresher. Johnson has had at least 294 touches in each of his 5 NFL seasons, including 312 this past season.

Posted: 2/7/2013 10:34pm et
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak said RB Chris Johnson will return next season and will get his salary.
Huddle Up: Johnson had an up-and-down season to be sure but showed enough (1,474 total yards, 6 TDs) to convince Munchak and the Titans.

Posted: 2/5/2013 11:52pm et
The Tennessee Titans intend to exercise the $10 million dollar option they have on RB Chris Johnson for the 2013 season. $9 million of that option becomes guaranteed five days after the Super Bowl.
Huddle Up: Johnson likely showed just enough in his up-and-down 2012 season to convince the Titans to keep him.

Posted: 2/4/2013 12:35pm et
Tennessee Titans general manager Ruston Webster said the team will take its time before coming to a decision on the future of RB Chris Johnson. The running back will be guaranteed $9 million of his $10 million 2013 salary if he is on the roster beyond the fifth day of the new league year. "For me, I like to take as much time as I can to make the decision and discuss things with everybody," Wesbter said. "Get all the opinions. Then I kind of make the decision together as a team. So yeah, I like taking my time."
Huddle Up: Kicking CJ to the curb would change the face of the Titans offense, not to mention toss a very talented running back into the free agency mix. Seems unlikely at this point, but it's a situation worth keeping an eye on as the end of the league year approaches.

Posted: 12/28/2012 10:33pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) is expected to play in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite being listed as questionable. Head coach Mike Munchak said FB Collin Mooney could be added to the roster before kickoff.
Huddle Up: CJ2k owners, here's your vote of confidence, but, as always, check back Sunday morning before making the final call on your starting lineup.

Posted: 12/28/2012 6:29pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 28, and is listed as questionable for Week 17.
Huddle Up: If you are relying on Chris Johnson this week, it might be time to make alternative plans.

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:58pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) said he will not take part in practice Thursday, Dec. 27, but hopes to practice Friday, Dec. 28.
Huddle Up: Friday will indeed be telling for Johnson, who has now missed the team's first 2 practices of the week.

Posted: 12/25/2012 8:13pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson remains sore with an ankle injury but is expected to play in Week 17.
Huddle Up: Johnson has been slowed all-around down the stretch with only 1 100- yard rushing game in his past 5 outings after a strong midseason run of games, so be sure to weigh all of your Week 17 RB options before putting too much faith in Johnson -- even at home against the Jags.

Posted: 12/23/2012 4:19pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson left in the first quarter of Sunday's Week 16 game because of an ankle injury but did return.
Huddle Up: Johnson did come back but didn't end up doing anything with 28 rushing yards and 14 receiving yards -- continuing his madly inconsistent fantasy campaign.

Posted: 12/19/2012 11:49am et
The Tennessee Titans fully intend to keep RB Chris Johnson for 2013, and pay him a $10 million salary. The Titans believe Johnson's status as the seventh-leading rusher in the NFL this year, as well as his status as the team's most recognizable star, makes him worth the money.
Huddle Up: The Titans have enough issues without addressing Johnson, who showed in one big play Monday night why he's so valuable. Maybe with an improved line and a full season with a new offensive coordinator will bring a little consistency back to CJ's game.

Posted: 12/17/2012 11:57pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson rushed 21 times for 122 yards and a TD and added a catch for 2 yards Monday night in a 14-10 Week 15 win over the New York Jets.
Huddle Up: Johnson made his whole night with a 94-yard scoring burst in the second quarter -- the second-longest run in Monday Night Football history. Other than that run, Johnson gained all of 28 yards on 20 carries, but that's who Johnson is: a speed burner who thrives on the home run. In all, it was Johnson's fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season and first since Week 10.

Posted: 12/14/2012 7:21pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) was feeling better Friday, Dec. 14, and he'll play in Week 15 against the New York Jets.
Huddle Up: Meanwhile, Johnson's fantasy owners are hoping for 100 rushing yards and/or a TD from the RB -- something that hasn't happened since Week 10.

Posted: 12/13/2012 10:44pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) is expected to practice Friday, Dec. 14, after getting the day off from practice Thursday, Dec. 13.
Huddle Up: After a midseason resurgence, Johnson has quieted back down, especially over the past 2 weeks when he's put together back-to-back ho-hum performances (71 total yards on 17 touches in Week 13 and 59 total yards on 22 touches in Week 14). Johnson's fantasy owners who are still alive in the playoffs will be counting on a big Monday night closing kick from the RB this week.

Posted: 11/29/2012 12:26pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson needs 58 yards to become only the third player in franchise history to reach five 1,000-yard seasons.
Huddle Up: On the surface, this week's matchup against the Texans doesn't look promising, but Johnson did roll up 157 total yards, including 141 on the ground, against Houston in Week 4. so don't hesitate to start him if you need to.

Posted: 10/31/2012 1:22pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson has averaged 5.6 yards per carry over the last five weeks; however, he faces the league's best run defense in the Chicago Bears in Week 9.
Huddle Up: This would be the week to sell high on Johnson. We thought he would have a better fantasy output last week against the Indianapolis defense, but he had a pretty good game nonetheless. The schedule toughens up this week, however, and Johnson's good run might be at an end.

Posted: 10/24/2012 11:59pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson is tied with Hall of Fame RB Walter Payton with 27 games of at least 110 or more rushing yards in a player's first five seasons. With at least 110 yards in his next game, he'll tie Hall of Fame RB Jim Brown for second on the all-time list. Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson holds the NFL record with 35 games of at least 110 rushing yards in his first five NFL seasons.
Huddle Up: Talk about a reversal of fortune: The discussion on Johnson has gone from bust-of-the-year talk to stat comparisons with Hall of Famers. Ride the crest of the wave while you can because another big-time lull is likely ahead.

Posted: 10/12/2012 12:49am et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson rushed for 91 yards on 19 carries and added 23 more on 4 receptions Thursday night in a 26-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Huddle Up: Just when a number of his fantasy owners were ready to write off the rest of the RB's season, Johnson was fantasy relevant for the second time in 3 games with 114 total yards. And while it's still hard to trust Johnson in any given week, it was a welcome performance for those fantasy GMs with no other RB options in deep leagues.

Posted: 9/29/2012 6:06pm et
In his past 21 games, Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson only has four rushing touchdowns. In his past 35 games, Johnson has 19 games where he has rushed for less than four yards per carry, and he has not rushed for 100 yards in 17 of his past 21 games.
Huddle Up: Any way you spin it, Johnson's struggles run deep, and despite that high draft pick his fantasy owners spent to obtain his services, he belongs on the bench until proven otherwise.

Posted: 9/25/2012 1:53pm et
Former RB LaDainian Tomlinson criticized Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson for his lack of toughness in the early going this year. 'Chris Johnson is an explosive player, and there's no way he should be averaging 1.4 yards per carry this season,' Tomlinson said. 'I mean, he's a home-run hitter. I think he's not running with the same passion, and he's not running with the same effectiveness and really that 'go get it' mentality that he has in the past.' Johnson has only 45 yards on 33 rushes after three games.
Huddle Up: Any way you slice it, Johnson has been the biggest fantasy flop of the season -- and this coming off a disappointing 2011. Johnson doesn't belong in fantasy starting lineups and, looking at it objectively, doesn't belong on fantasy rosters, period, outside the deepest of leagues.

Posted: 9/21/2012 6:25pm et
Tennessee Titans CB Chris Johnson continues to criticize the team's offensive execution as a reason for his early-season struggles, saying the blocking hasn't been there for him. 'I wouldn't sit here and say I'm to blame. I wouldn't think so, but I'm not the guy to sit here and be the guy that points fingers and things like that. It's just a situation where I'm going to be only as good as my line's going to be. So we've got to work together and get better together,' Johnson said. He has only 21 yards rushing on 19 carries this year. Johnson faces the Detroit Lions in Week 3, who have allowed 82.5 rushing yards per game in two weeks.
Huddle Up: Johnson's fantasy owners are at wit's end after 2 unproductive weeks for the high draft pick. When things are going this bad -- as in CJ2K's 1.1 yards per carry -- it's most likely a combination of factors and not just the offensive line. In any case, Johnson has fallen sharply in the fantasy rankings and is on the verge of being unstartable in many leagues.

Posted: 9/17/2012 5:53pm et
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak said the team is not considering benching RB Chris Johnson despite his struggles. Munchak said there are other factors involved on Johnson's struggles.
Huddle Up: Munchak won't consider benching Johnson, but many fantasy owners might, until Johnson improves on his 1.1 YPC through two games.

Posted: 9/17/2012 11:23am et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson said following Week 2 that players have to start doing their jobs if the running game is to get on track. "People need to step up and do their job," Johnson said. "They don't need to let people beat them. It don't matter who the opposing defense is, you can't let your guy beat you. You just can't give up plays. You have to make plays like they make plays. I can't speak for the defense. I can only speak for the offense."
Huddle Up: Apparently there were no mirrors where CJ?K was making his statements so he couldn't see the person most responsible for his 21 yards on 19 carries through the first two games of the season. But hey, the best way to rally your boys to block for you is to call them out, right? Is that from the Jay Cutler Motivational Handbook? If you currently roster Johnson on your fantasy team and happen to receive trade inquiries this week, heed the advice from any horror movie ever: get out now.

Posted: 9/7/2012 8:42pm et
The New England Patriots have spent the week in practice trying to find ways to slow Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson, whom they will face in Week 1. The Patriots want to limit Johnson's ability to cut back. The Patriots allowed just two 100-yard rushers all of last season.
Huddle Up: Johnson will be under the fantasy microscope from the outset this season after his sub-par 2011. He's getting a solid test out of the gate in the Pats, who ranked 17th against the run a season ago.

Posted: 9/5/2012 12:43pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson said he is feeling like himself again. He believes his work during the offseason, training camp and preseason has him back on track, ready to return to the form that established him as one of the league's elite running backs. Johnson said he simply was not in football shape last season. "If you go back to years prior, you can see I am in the game and I am really never coming out,' Johnson said. 'Last year, I can say throughout the whole season, after two or three plays I needed to come out and take a break or whatever. I can't really say for sure when I got into tip-top shape, but it was toward the end of the year."
Huddle Up: This is excellent news for anyone who was willing to take him in the first round. CJ2K has been rather disappointing the past two seasons, but his improved work ethic could lead to a big rebound in fantasy scoring. If he really is back to his old self, he will challenge for the fantasy scoring title at running back.

Posted: 8/28/2012 3:54pm et
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak expects RB Chris Johnson to have a big year for the team despite averaging only 2.8 yards per carry on 28 totes in the preseason this year. 'The running game overall has been solid as you go through all three games, but when the starters are in there, we have just been not as consistent as we want to be yet,' Munchak said. 'C.J.'s had a great camp as far as, and offseason, about being here, having a great sense of what we're doing, running with confidence - he's doing exactly what we want him to do. Now it's just a matter of us getting into the regular season and hopefully putting last year behind us.'
Huddle Up: CJ actually has looked better in the preseason than his 2.8 ypc might suggest, but don't go expecting the Chris Johnson of 2009 to show up in 2012, either. Johnson, though, can certainly improve on his 2011 numbers (career-low 1,047 rushing yards and 4 total TDs), and look for him to resume his place among the top-10 fantasy backs this season.

Posted: 8/18/2012 12:05am et
Tennessee Titan RB Chris Johnson carried 10 times for 46 yards and a pair of scores in the preseason game Friday, Aug. 17, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Huddle Up: Yeah, it's only one preseason game, but Chris Johnson owners in keeper leagues were a little giddy Friday night. This looked like the CJ of 2009 and '10, hitting the holes, cutting and then turning on the afterburners en route to the end zone. Johnson is out to erase the memories of 2011, when he rushed for a career-low 1,047 yards and 4 TDs, and Friday night's performance could be a sneak peek of things to come in 2012.

Posted: 8/4/2012 11:15pm et
Tennessee Titans C Eugene Amano sustained a torn triceps and is out for 2012.
Huddle Up: Is this bad news for Chris Johnson, you ask? Well, it isn't necessarily terrible news. Amano was less than stellar last year. Fernando Velasco and Kevin Matthews (Bruce Matthews' son) will compete for the job and Velasco will probably win it based on his experience.

Posted: 8/4/2012 12:02pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson appears to have rediscovered his past elite form so far in training camp. Johnson is in shape and running fast. He appears to be on a mission in camp and poised for a big season in 2012.
Huddle Up: Johnson's 2011 campaign was a career-worst and he looked anything like his pre-big contract self. Some reporting from Titans' camp have stated they believe Johnson is highly motivated to prove everyone wrong in 2012. It bears watching once pre-season action begins. If true he could reemerge as an elite fantasy back this season.

Posted: 6/23/2012 1:02am et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson said he wants to add weight this offseason because he believes it will allow him to get through the bumps and bruises of the season. "I want to be a little heavier because it makes me feel a little sturdier and it helps me make it through the whole season with the bumps and bruises," he said. Johnson weighed 191 last season but wants to play at 197 or 198 pounds this season.
Huddle Up: It's always a concern when a speed back wants to put on some weight, but a little extra muscle shouldn't hurt Johnson's performance. It's worth keeping an eye on CJ during the preseason to make sure he hasn't traded his burst for bulk.

Posted: 6/21/2012 9:06pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson said he currently weighs 200 pounds and hopes to add a few more pounds before the start of the season.
Huddle Up: As we've mentioned before, Johnson has usually weighed around 195. Hmmm. 200 sounds fine but we're wary about CJ bulking up too much. Remember Clinton Portis? He gained a bunch of weight in 2009 for the Redskins' new power-running scheme and seemed to unravel before our eyes. Plus, it's not like CJ needs the extra padding for protection: He's been extremely durable, only missing one game in his entire career.

Posted: 6/12/2012 1:41am et
Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer said he does not think RB Chris Johnson will be getting 25 touches per game because that may not be the best think for the team to win games. 'To say you're going to get a guy 25 touches a game is pushing it,' Palmer said. 'That's 400 touches over the course of a season. He's certainly capable of that, but what does it mean for the team? Does it help us win?'
Huddle Up: Javon Ringer wasn't too productive with 6-8 touches per game so Johnson will remain a bell cow in this league, even if it isn't the traditional Emmitt/LaDainian workloads of years gone by.

Posted: 6/7/2012 9:59pm et
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson, who has packed on eight to nine pounds of muscle this offseason, insists he is still the top running back in the NFL. 'I just know when I have been through the same things as everyone as far as camp and being on the same page as my offensive line, I feel like I am the best back in the league,' Johnson said.
Huddle Up: Johnson added that he now weighs 199. Wait a minute, CJ weighed in at 197 at the 2008 combine... so was he down to 190 last year?