It’s only a matter of time until Johnson is the Lions’ starting running back. He played behind LeGarrette Blount on Friday, but the Lions used him in a variety of roles and he responded with 67 easy-looking yards from scrimmage. Johnson played on third downs early, he shouldered the bulk of the rushing load in the second half, and he showed a knack for dodging defenders on the field.
RB Ameer Abdullah
Johnson wasn’t the only running back who impressed Friday. Abdullah ran for 16 yards on four carries and showed patience on his 1-yard touchdown run.