Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reports that Browns RB Duke Johnson has been lining up as a slot receiver "and could replace Andrew Hawkins in that role this season." Johnson's receiving skills are no secret, but that specific role should increase his playing time and give the young RB a path to regular touches even if Isaiah Crowell continues to work as the clear lead back. Johnson finished 2016 third on the team in targets (74) and 5th among all NFL RBs in that category. Hawkins finished last year 5th on the team with 54 targets. Johnson's target ceiling for 2017 could reach 90 -- perhaps even higher if WR Corey Coleman struggles further with durability issues.

Browns RB Duke Johnson led the team in receptions (5) and receiving yards (72) in Sunday's loss to the Bills, while his 7 targets fell just 1 behind Terrelle Pryor's team lead. It was Johnson's 1st game with more than 3 catches since Week 8 and followed a 2-target, 1-reception line against the Bengals in Week 14, when QB Robert Griffin returned to the lineup. So Johnson might be a low-level PPR option for Week 16's home date with the Chargers, but don't elevate him above that. He remains a high-risk, low-reward RB.

The forecast for today's Browns-Bills game calls for a slight chance of snow but winds of 20-30 mph. That's certainly enough to impact the passing games. Hopefully you're not relying on any part of Cleveland's passing attack. Downgrade Bills QB Tyrod Taylor and WR Sammy Watkins a tad, but both are still fine fantasy starters. Expect a heavy dose of RB LeSean McCoy today.

The forecast for today's Bengals-Browns game calls for 1-3 inches of snow and winds of 10-20 mph. We start to worry about the passing games when winds get over 15 mph, so this is a slight concern. Both teams figured to go run-heavy anyway, and the weather will only push them farther in that direction.

Browns WR Terrelle Pryor (hamstring) missed practice again on Thursday. He's starting to look extremely iffy for this weekend's game against the Bengals. That'd leave Cleveland with WRs Andrew Hawkins and rookies Ricardo Louis, Rashard Higgins and Jordan Payton. TE Gary Barnidge and RB Duke Johnson would be good bets to see increased volume.

Browns RB Isaiah Crowell is not expected to be disciplined by his team or the league for his controversial social media post depicting a police officer being stabbed. Crowell later removed the image and issued an apology. "We have spoken to Isaiah regarding his extremely disturbing and unacceptable social media decision,'' the Browns said in the statement. "It was completely inappropriate and we have made him aware of our high level of disappointment. Isaiah has apologized but also knows that just an apology is insufficient and that he must take steps to make a positive difference after a very negative and impactful post.'' We'll see whether the incident impact Crowell's standing with his new coaching staff. He'll battle for snaps and touches this summer with RB Duke Johnson.

Browns HC Hue Jackson sees Duke Johnson as an "every-down back," according to ESPN's Pat McManamon.  Johnson was used in more of a change-of-pace role as a rookie, catching 61 balls but carrying just 104 times.  He's on the smaller side at 5'9, 210 pounds but carried 242 times with a 6.8-yard average in his final college season at Miami.  Johnson obviously needs to be better than his 3.6 yards per carry as a rookie if he wants an expanded rushing role this year.  Cleveland has another talented (and bigger) RB in Isaiah Crowell.  And Jackson rolled with a committee backfield both in Cincinnati (Jeremy Hill, Gio Bernard) and Oakland (Darren McFadden, Michael Bush).  We're not banking on Johnson assuming an every-down role in 2016, but he should surpass last year's 165 total touches.  He's a fine pick in PPR leagues at his current 6th-round ADP.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, new Browns HC Hue Jackson sees a potential "bellcow" when he watches RB Isaiah Crowell on tape. "I really think Isaiah Crowell is a really good running back," Jackson said after not picking any RBs in the NFL Draft. "I think he's going to have a sensational season, I really do. "Obviously Isaiah is very explosive," he said. "He's got quick feet, he's fast in the hole, he runs with good pad level.'' Jackson also called the combined talent "extreme" between Crowell and Duke Johnson. "Those 2 guys are as good as I've seen in a while,'' said the coach who just finished working with Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill in Cincinnati the past 2 years. Jackson also reportedly sees Bernard similarities in Johnson. "I think he's going to have a great year as well," Jackson said. "Duke has suddenness and quickness and he can go catch the ball with anybody. He does so many different things that gives your offense a boost.'' The Browns might need the backfield to carry an offense that appears ready to rely on a Robert Griffin rebound and a slew of rookie receivers. Even if the Browns struggle to win games, expect enough rushing to potentially support fantasy value in both backs -- especially at likely modest ADPs. Both make for solid picks in current best-ball drafting on MyFantasyLeague.com and MyFFPC.com.

The Browns have agreed to a deal to make Hue Jackson their new HC.  Jackson has spent the past 4 years with the Bengals; the past 2 as OC.  Cincinnati ranked 15th in total offense in both.  Jackson was the Raiders' HC back in 2011, leading the team to an 8-8 record and a 9th-place finish in total offense.  Generally regarded as 1 of the top offensive minds in the game, Jackson's arrival is good news for Cleveland's offense.  Of course, there aren't many pieces there to be excited about.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) is active for today’s game against the Chiefs. Kansas City has allowed the fewest receiving yards to RBs and the 5th fewest catches. Johnson is a weak RB3.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) "should be good to go" against the Chiefs today, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.  The hammy still adds risk, and Kansas City has been tough in RB coverage all season.  Johnson is a weak RB3 for Week 16.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs after being limited in practice all week. Johnson doesn't carry much fantasy intrigue against a tough K.C. defense even if healthy this week, so you should try a different direction if possible.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (concussion) is active for today’s game against the Jets. It’s unclear how much work he’ll see behind Isaiah Crowell, so Johnson isn’t a recommended fantasy play. But we’ll be keeping a close eye on the rookie’s role.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (concussion) is probable for this weekend’s game against the Jets. He’ll serve as the #2 RB, but exactly how much work he’ll see behind Isaiah Crowell remains uncertain. Johnson should be on fantasy benches for Week 1.

Browns HC Mike Pettine notes improvement from RB Isaiah Crowell in pass protection and route running.  RB Duke Johnson is a good bet to eventually emerge as Cleveland's primary pass-catching back.  But the rookie missed most of August and might not be ready for a big role right out of the gate.  Don't bank on big receiving numbers from Crowell, but he should at least double last year's 9 catches and 87 yards.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (concussion) returned to practice on Wednesday. Not only will he suit up for the season opener vs. the Jets, but HC Mike Pettine says his rookie could play a “significant role.” It’s tough to start Johnson with confidence against a stout run defense. But if he remains healthy, Johnson can reach RB2 status over the long-term – especially in PPR leagues.

The Browns have traded RB Terrance West to the Titans for a conditional 2016 pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.  Cleveland selected West in the 3rd round last year, but poor practice habits landed him on the chopping block.  He heads from 1 crowded RB corps to another -- and Tennessee's offensive line isn't nearly as talented as Cleveland's.  It's a hit to West's fantasy outlook, along with Bishop Sankey and David Cobb's.  Meanwhile, Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson's stocks are on the rise.  Crowell is locked in as the lead (and potential 3-down) back to open the season.  Johnson will step in as the #2 as soon as he's cleared from his concussion.  The rookie's role could grow if Crowell continues to underwhelm.

Update: Cobb has been placed on IR designated for return with his calf injury.  It knocks the rookie out for at least the first 8 games of the season.  He's not worth rostering in redraft leagues.  West will be Tennessee's #2 RB to open the season.

Browns RB Duke Johnson suffered a concussion in Saturday night's preseason game. He finished with 1 carry for 4 yards and 1 catch for 1 yard.  Johnson was making his debut after missing most of the summer with a hamstring injury.  All the missed time will make the rookie impossible to trust in fantasy lineups early this season.  He's still capable of carving out a significant role later in the year, though.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) is back at practice.  The rookie missed over 3 weeks of training camp and Cleveland's first 2 preseason games.  The good news is that neither Terrance West nor Isaiah Crowell stood out in Johnson's absence.  OC John DeFilippo said Johnson will have a "significant role" in the team's 3rd preseason game.  A strong showing there could earn him a nice chunk of the backfield pie.  Johnson is worth a look as a RB4, especially in PPR leagues.

Browns RB Isaiah Crowell got the start in Thursday night's preseason opener.  He carried 3 times for 5 yards on the 1st-team offense's lone drive.  RB Terrance West got 1 carry on that series.  Both guys also saw action with the 2nd team and neither finished with impressive numbers.  Crowell is currently the favorite for lead-back duties in Cleveland, but the competition remains open.  It'll get more muddled when rookie RB Duke Johnson returns from his hamstring injury.