| Player Search | ||
 | ||
 | |  |
| Height: 5-10 Weight: 225 Born: Oct 1, 1979, Petersburg, VA |
| Profile | Player Notes | Articles | Game Log | Splits | Player Comparison |
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Player Notes |
|
October 9, 2008 Although he has been named the starter, Rudi Johnson is still expected to split time with rookie Kevin Smith, with neither back guaranteed to see a bigger workload, according to MLive.com. Offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said, "They'll split time. Now, who starts, I don't know. We'll decide that at the end of the week. Kevin will probably be in a little more on third downs because Rudi's not as comfortable at that, although he's getting better at that." Our View:Neither back is a recommended fantasy option, especially this weekend against a tough Vikings' run defense on their home turf. |
|
October 6, 2008 Rudi Johnson has been named the Lions' starting running back, but did not see action until the third offensive series in Sunday's blowout loss to Chicago, and is not pleased with his workload, according to the Detroit Free Press. Johnson said, "The way I'm being used? I haven't really been used. So all I can do is try to get on the field and try to help, try to contribute. Would I like to help? Yes, I would like to contribute." Our View:He was limited to five carries against Chicago, but rookie Kevin Smith didn't get many more with eight, namely since the Lions were forced to abandon the run early while trailing by a considerable margin. |
|
September 29, 2008 Rudi Johnson has been named the Lions' starting running back, demoting rookie Kevin Smith to the second-string, according to Mlive.com. Our View:Johnson is averaging 5.5 yards over 18 carries, and could be a solid starting fantasy back if he can just stay healthy. Johnson should be scooped up if dangling on the waiver wire. |
|
September 23, 2008 Rudi Johnson says he has the Lions playbook down now but isn't sure if he's considered the starter, according to the Detroit Free Press. "It was hard trying to get the playbook down, but I have it now," he said Tuesday. "I couldn't do as much as I wanted until I knew the offense, especially the pass protections. Now I feel like I'm ready to help the team win." Johnson had 131 combined yards in last Sunday's loss to the 49ers. "No one has said anything to me about where I am on the depth chart," Johnson said. "I'm just going to keep practicing hard and trying to do the best I can." Our View:Those that have both Johnson and Kevin Smith will want to play Rudi, as even if they split the carries, the former Bengal is likely to receive the goal-line work. |
|
September 21, 2008 Rudi Johnson made his first substantial mark on 2008's NFL season on Sunday against the 49ers. He had 14 carries and three catches for a combined 131 yards and a touchdown. Our View:Kevin Smith, the other Lions' running back, had just three carries so it appears Johnson has surpassed him on the depth chart. Expect Rudi to be a productive fantasy back as long as his hamstring remains in one piece. Defenses tend to guard against the Lions' top-notch wideouts which could open big gaps for Rudi to exploit. |
|
September 18, 2008 Lions' offensive coordinator Jim Colletto indicated that Rudi Johnson's hamstring ailment was still an issue when he was scooped up following his release by the Bengals, according to the Detroit Free Press. Colletto added, "We’re going to play him more. I think his hamstring now is better. He’s going to play more. As for the playbook, he’s up to speed. He can do everything now." Our View:Johnson will gradually see more carries, but rookie Kevin Smith remains the preferred back in Detroit. |
|
September 14, 2008 Rudi Johnson's role was expected to expand in Week 2, but one carry for two yards is probably not what he or fantasy owners had in mind. Our View:To be fair, the Lions were trailing most of the game, as starter Kevin Smith had just 10 totes. Still, it's obvious Rudi should be nowhere near your starting lineup at this time. |
|
September 13, 2008 Rudi Johnson's role is expected to expand this week. "He had a good week this week, so we're encouraged that we'll be able to use him more and more," coach Rod Marinelli said in the Detroit News. "Hopefully we're running it and controlling it, and then we can use him." Our View:Rudi received just three carries last week, but expect him to see double-digit carries this weekend and likely be used in goal-line situations. |
|
September 5, 2008 MLive.com indicates that Rudi Johnson was not brought in to Detroit to serve as a specialty back (short yardage/goal-line) and will share the workload with rookie Kevin Smith, regardless of who is considered the starter. Our View:As for Week 1, it remains to be seen which back will see more carries against Atlanta. The pair should be "handcuffed" on fantasy rosters. |
|
September 4, 2008 New Lions running back Rudi Johnson will be playing for the Lions Week 1, according to the Detroit Free-Press. Our View:It's difficult to assess Johnson's fantasy value because just how much of the playbook he knows, and how he will be utilized is up in the air at this point. More will be known after the game against Atlanta Sunday. |
|
September 3, 2008 Rudi Johnson commented on Tatum Bell, who was caught stealing his bags from the Lions' locker room, according to MLive.com. Johnson said, "Bell took Underwear, socks, credit cards and money. He left my money clip with no money in it ($200 was reportedly missing). He should've taken the clip, too. It's quite stupid if you ask me. All of this happened after he got released and came in and got some stuff out of his locker. That's when he scooped the bags up, some real shyster, conniving stuff." Our View:This incident could put Bell's playing future in jeopardy, although he reportedly traveled to Houston to audition for the Texans. |
|
September 3, 2008 Rudi Johnson was cut by the Bengals due to a nagging hamstring ailment but he is ready to move on and feels he can power the Lions' running attack, according to the Detroit News. He said, "My role is to learn the playbook. That is what I am here to do. I have to learn the schemes and the terminology." He also claims he's healthy and ready to play in Sunday's season opener against Atlanta, and he added, "I have been monitoring the hamstring to make sure it's ready for when the bullets start flying. I am making sure I am ready for the season opener." Our View:Johnson is expected to back up rookie Kevin Smith initially, but should see an expanded role when he gets comfortable within the Lions' offense and gets back up to speed physically. All Kevin Smith owners should attempt to "handcuff" Johnson on their rosters. |
|
September 1, 2008 Rudi Johnson has landed in Detroit after being let go by Cincinnati, according to MLive.com. Terms of the deal are not yet known. Coach Rod Marinelli said, "I just had a chance to watch him in some drills (during a workout) and he's impressive. He's a big, thick guy who has great feet. I played against him over the years so I know he's a very physical back. He's a guy with a lot of talent and a lot of experience." Our View:Johnson is expected to replace Tatum Bell as the primary backup to rookie starter Kevin Smith. Johnson should be "handcuffed" to Smith, and the team could be headed for a platoon at the position. |
|
September 1, 2008 Running back Rudi Johnson worked out for Detroit on Monday, and Matt Millen told reporters that the running back "looked fine," according to the Detroit News. However, there are no contract negotiations going on between the team and Johnson at the moment. Our View:Currently, Detroit has only two true tailbacks on the team in Keven Smith and Tatum Bell, so adding another one for depth would probably be a good idea. Johnson's fantasy value depends on where he eventually winds up. |
|
August 31, 2008 Running back Rudi Johnson is in Detroit. He will take a physical and work out for the Lions on Monday, MLive.com reports. Our View:We may actually find out if Rudi's hamstring is sound or not. The Lions seem like a good potential situation for Johnson, as rookie Kevin Smith is backed up by only Tatum Bell and Marcus Thomas. |
|
August 31, 2008 Running back Rudi Johnson will visit the Lions on Sunday night, NFL.com reports. Our View:The Lions appear committed to rookie Kevin Smith, but Tatum Bell and the recently-claimed Marcus Thomas are the only backups. Outside of Houston, the Lions backfield may offer up the best chance for Rudi to eventually find a key role. |
|
August 30, 2008 Following a rumor becoming fact, the agent for Bengals rusher Rudi Johnson says that the team will release the veteran back, according to Pro Football Weekly. Peter Shaffer confirmed Saturday that such a move was in the works, saying, “That’s what we’ve been told.” Our View:Johnson hurt his hamstring during the first week of training camp and didn’t play in a preseason game. He is coming off an unimpressive 2007 showing, when he averaged only 2.9 yards per carry while dealing with hamstring problems. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis recently indicated that Chris Perry had taken over the starting role from Johnson. |
|
August 30, 2008 Even though he returned to practice last week, the Bengals apparently decided they hadn't seen enough of the new and improved Rudi Johnson this summer and cut the man projected to once be their bell-cow running back in 2008, according to Bengals.com. Our View:Chris Perry assumes the role as the starting running back in Cincinnati, and his value takes a substantial northward spike. |
|
August 30, 2008 Rumors have run rampant suggesting Rudi Johnson would be traded, but that has not come to fruition. Thus we now hear the Bengals are prepared to cut the former top rusher for their offense, according to Pro Football Talk. Our View:A league source tells PFT that the Bengals couldn’t get anything for Johnson, so instead they’re going to release him. Johnson, who carried 170 times for 497 yards last year, was slated to earn salaries of $3.45 million in 2008 and $3.6 million in 2009. Instead he’ll become an unrestricted free agent and hope to catch on elsewhere. |
|
August 29, 2008 Bengals running back Rudi Johnson did not play a single snap in the team's preseason contest Thursday, and said he would not be surprised if the team cut him, according to Bengals.com. Our View:Johnson is behind Chris Perry and Kenny Watson on the depth chart, and the team has been trying to trade him for a wide receiver. |
|
August 28, 2008 Rudi Johnson failed to appear in the Bengals game with the Colts on Thursday night throwing his role with the club into doubt. Our View:Earlier this week Marvin Lewis said that he wanted to see Rudi in game action before deciding what role, if any, he would have with the club. Given his mouthing off in the press the other day, and the fact that he didn't play tonight, there is a growing feeling that Johnson may have played his last game with the Bengals. |
|
August 27, 2008 Bengals running back Rudi Johnson will make his first preseason appearance on Thursday, and he will do it while understanding that this is an opportunity for other teams to take a look at him, as he expects to be traded, according to Sporting News Today. Our View:Johnson is currently third on the depth chart behind Chris Perry and Kenny Watson, and the Bengals need another receiver, so the former Auburn standout may be nearing his final days in Cincy. |
|
August 26, 2008 Earlier in the day we reported the Bengals are rumored to be shopping veteran rusher Rudi Johnson with hopes of finding an interested trade partner, and that Johnson told reporters he was unaware of any such actions. Tonight we are hearing a different story, both from Johnson and the Bengals, according to the Associated Press. After hearing an ESPN report that the Bengals were interested in trading him for a receiver, Johnson called his agent and had an inkling that he would be moving on. "I could be gone any minute now," the running back said after practice. "I'm just waiting on the call, looking at the clock. That's all. So you know, it is what it is. Nothing's surprising. It's always something every year. They've been trying to get me out of here for a long time now. So it's not surprising at all." Our View:As the AP points out, the trick is finding a team interested in giving up a receiver for a running back who hasn't played a down in the preseason. He bulked up in the offseason, hoping to become more of a power back again, but the continuing hamstring problems raise questions about his durability. While Johnson was sidelined in the preseason, Chris Perry — the Bengals' first-round pick in 2004 — showed that he's fully recovered from injuries that limited him to one start in the past two years. Rudi Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, didn't return a phone message on Tuesday. The running back said he had been in contact with him about where things stand. |
|
August 26, 2008 ESPN reported that Rudi Johnson was being shopped around the league, but Johnson refuted the claim by saying, "I haven't heard anything," according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Public relations director Jack Brennan added, "The Bengals don't comment on speculated player moves." Our View:Johnson returned to practice Monday and said he will play this week in the preseason finale against the Colts. |
|
August 25, 2008 Rudi Johnson has been shopped around the league as the Bengals search for help at wide receiver, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN. Our View:The Bengals have been hit hard by injuries at the position and with the news that Chad Johnson has a torn labrum, his status will remain questionable all season should he play through it. |
|
August 22, 2008 Rudi Johnson, who is dealing with a hamstring ailment, intends to play in the Bengals' last game of the preseason, according to Bengals.com. When asked about head coach Marvin Lewis' statement that Chris Perry would be the starter if the season opened now, Johnson said, "The season doesn't start now." Our View:It is encouraging that he plans on playing in the preseason, but one game may not be enough to reclaim his starting job from Perry. |
|
August 20, 2008 Rudi Johnson has been dealing with a hamstring ailment, and Chris Perry has passed him on the Bengals' depth chart as the starting running back, according to the Bengals.com. If the season started today Perry would be the starter. When asked what Johnson would have to do to get his job back, Lewis replied, "I have to see Rudi play and practice, practice, practice and then play." Our View:Johnson should be downgraded on draft boards accordingly, but still has time to regain the starting job before the season opener. |
|
August 19, 2008 Rudi Johnson remained out of practice on Tuesday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He has been dealing with a right hamstring issue. Our View:Johnson practiced last week, but he sat out of Sunday's preseason game. We're not sure if he aggravated the ailment or if the Bengals are being cautious. He needs to show us something soon to keep his fantasy value. |
|
August 17, 2008 Tailback Rudi Johnson, expected to play tonight against the Lions in the second preseason game, was a late scratch for the Bengals, according to Cincinnati.com. Chris Perry will start in his place. Our View:There is mention regarding the reason for pulling Johnson, but we have no reason to believe he is nursing any serious injuries. Keeping him healthy for the regular season should be priority #1, and thus we find this news to be positive for fantasy owners. If we get wind of the reasoning for Johnson's absence from the lineup, we will pass it along. |
|
August 13, 2008 Rudi Johnson, who is recovering from a sore hamstring, intends to practice Wednesday night, according to Bengals.com. He missed about two weeks due to the ailment. Johnson stated the hamstring tightened up on him after he went through the heavy running of the first two sets of two-a-day practices during the first week of training camp. He said he brought it back slow because he believes he came back too soon from the hamstring injury he suffered in the third game of the regular season last year. Our View:Johnson also plans to play in this weekend's preseason game. If healthy, Johnson would serve as a solid No. 2 fantasy running back, and could slip in fantasy drafts and be acquired as a No. 3 option. |
|
August 11, 2008 Rudi Johnson will not play on Monday night against the Packers because of his sore hamstring, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Kenny Watson will start in his place. Our View:Johnson looked great early in camp, but given his struggles with his hamstring last season, his early season issues with that area this season is a big concern. |
|
August 3, 2008 Rudi Johnson suffered what is being called a "mild hamstring pull" that will keep him out of action for a couple of days, according the Bengals Official Site. Our View:After so many positive vibes with Rudi so far reality has finally returned. Johnson had the worst season of his career last year since establishing himself in the NFL, and the injuries that dogged him last season are already starting to rear their ugly head. Monitor this situation closely as he dealt with hamstring issues most of last season. |
|
July 30, 2008 The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Rudi Johnson has come into camp nearly 20 pounds heavier than a season ago, yet his body fat percentage is down. Johnson worked with Bengals strength and conditioning coaches Chip Morton and Ray Oliver daily in the offseason program and unveiled his larger, sculpted physique this week at training camp. Our View:And get this - he looks faster. All indications point to a bounce-back season for Rudi. He has been running a lot more physically. “More power in the legs,” Johnson said again of the difference between 2007 and 2008. “I feel stronger getting in and out of my cuts. I can feel it every time I cut. It's just there.” |
|
July 18, 2008 The Cincinnati Bengals are planning to run the ball more this season as Rudi Johnson returns to health, according to Pro Football Weekly. Our View:Johnson was awful last year, averaging 2.9 yards per carry for the season. He is a bruising runner when fully healthy, and has the ability to put up good numbers for fantasy players. However, expect his touches to be down from recent years as Cincinnati has a number of options in the backfield, including Kenny Watson, Kenny Irons and Chris Perry. |
|
July 11, 2008 One of the positive signs from Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason workouts, per a source close to the club, was that running back Rudi Johnson was back to hitting the hole quickly, according to Pro Football Weekly. Our View:Keep an eye on Johnson in training camp, as he’s a solid buy low candidate in 2008. Currently, in 12-team leagues, Johnson can be had in the middle of the fifth round, and he possesses the upside potential to perform well above his ADP. |
|
June 26, 2008 Rudi Johnson has put on 15 pounds of muscle, and performed well in offseason practices, according to ESPN.com. Our View:Johnson fell off the map in 2007 after scoring a total of 45 touchdowns from 2003-2006. If the 28-year-old back can regain his previous form, he will once again be a valuable commodity in fantasy leagues. |
|
June 16, 2008 Rudi Johnson is reportedly looking good in practice this week, according to the Dayton Daily News. He is running smooth with solid speed. He is also displaying quick feet, and could be headed for a strong bounce back campaign. Our View:Johnson has been slipping outside the top 25 running backs selected in mock drafts so far, and could prove to be a steal if he can just stay healthy for a full-16 game slate. |
|
June 11, 2008 Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson missed five games of the 2007 season due to a nagging hamstring injury. Now that the eight-year veteran is fully recovered, he's champing at the bit to get back on the playing field and make a statement for the Bengals in 2008, according to the Dayton Daily News. Our View:During early 12-team mock drafts, Johnson has been a fifth round pick as the 26th running back off the board. That's potentially great value for a player who averaged 1300+ rushing yards and 12 touchdowns from 2004-06. If Johnson can remain healthy in 2008, he could be a candidate for the bounce back fantasy player of the year award. |
|
June 6, 2008 The Bengals team website is reporting that offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski will us an RBBC this year, led by Rudi Johnson . The report notes that Bratkowski did not reveal how the committee will work. Our View:Currently the Bengals have four running backs on the roster. Johnson, Chris Perry, DeDe Dorsey and Kenny Watson? Then there is Kenny Irons, who underwent knee surgery last year missing his entire rookie season. Regardless of who shares the work with Johnson, this news damages his fantasy value. |
|
May 28, 2008 Rudi Johnson was back in action on Wednesday's voluntary practice session, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He missed some time the previous week for unknown reasons. Our View:Rudi has previously said that last year's hamstring issues are behind him, but we prefer to see it before believing. Johnson will get a shot at being the Bengals workhorse again in 2008, and he'll climb up fantasy boards if he looks good this summer. |
|
April 1, 2008 While reiterating Chad Johnson is staying put and challenging his players "to grow up," head coach Marvin Lewis also stated his offense is going to go back to the basics, according to CincinnatiBengals.com. "This is going to be what's important," Lewis said. "Everybody thinks it's cute to throw the ball around the lot, but you don't win games throwing the ball around the lot." Cincinnati passed the ball 57 percent of the time last season. It’s easy to say your team is going to run the ball more, but in reality the Bengals defense probably isn’t good enough to keep the team close in games, which often leads to more passing. |
|
March 26, 2008 The Cincinnati Bengals want to run the ball effectively in 2008 in order to set up their deep passing game, according to Bengals.com. "I've talked to Marvin Lewis and he wants to run the ball," Rudi Johnson said this week. "He wants to get it back to when we ran at will and then threw it over people's heads. That's just another reason I'm excited at getting back into my grind. We've gotten away from that." Johnson's pulled hamstring in the third week of last season became the symbol of the Bengals offense coming up lame. The Bengals might have put up gaudy passing numbers with T.J. Houshmandzadeh leading the NFL in catches and Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson setting franchise records for passing and receiving yards, but they couldn't score when they needed points and they couldn't take over games for a depleted defense. Johnson, 28, is entering the trailing edge of his prime, but was one of the most consistent backs in fantasy football from 2003-2006. If Johnson can stay healthy throughout the offseason program, he could be an undervalued selection in this year’s fantasy drafts. |
|
February 22, 2008 Rudi Johnson, who had a disappointing ’07 campaign while battling a hamstring injury, is expected to come back hungry in 2008 - per HC Marvin Lewis, according to Cincinnati.com. Johnson, who lost weight prior to last season in order to gain speed, has adjusted his diet to gain weight so he can return to the bruising style that was so successful previously. From 2004-06, Johnson started 45 games for the Bengals and posted 1000+ rushing yards in each campaign. Johnson, 28, is a quality back who could return to form making him an undervalued player during 2008 fantasy football drafts. |