Analyzing the Cleveland Browns depth chart at Running Back

The change of pace back: Duke Johnson

Week after week, the talk is always the same. Browns coaches go to the podium and get asked about why Duke Johnson didn’t get the ball enough during their latest game. They then say they need to find ways to get him more involved only to get him roughly three touches the following week — again.

Coaches change, play callers change, but this conversation remains the same. No matter who is in charge, Johnson remains less involved in the game than desired. And with the addition of Kareem Hunt, he realizes that could be even worse in 2019 after the midway point, which is why he requested a trade this offseason.

So far, Cleveland hasn’t honored that request and they likely won’t — especially not while Hunt is serving his suspension. Instead, head coach Freddie Kitchens says — wait for it — that they plan to get Johnson more involved this year.

At this point, we need to see it to believe it. Johnson had the least amount of rushing attempts (40) and receptions (47) of his career in 2018 and that was including the eight games with Kitchens calling the plays. Johnson does offer a savvy receiving threat out of the backfield but for whatever the reason, the touches just weren’t there in 2018. It’s hard to see that changing much this year.