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Rudi Johnson | Running Back

Team: Detroit Lions
Age / DOB:  (33) / 10/1/1979
Ht / Wt:  5'10' / 225
College: Auburn
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Latest News

Recent News

Free agent RB Rudi Johnson wants to set up workouts for curious teams, according to ESPN.com.
Rudi sat out the entire 2009 season after getting just 76 carries with the Lions in 2008. We doubt he'll find that many teams are "curious" considering he's 30 and averaged 2.9 yards per carry in his final season with the Bengals. Sun, Mar 7, 2010 09:56:00 AM
Source: ESPN.com

Highest Searched Players over the last 7 days


Player News

Date:
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Free agent Rudi Johnson blasted the Lions' organization on Sirius NFL Radio Thursday, calling them "years away" from winning.

He may be right, but they'd be even further away if they re-signed Rudi. "I would say years away from being a competitive team." he said. "If you go 0-16 it's not just the players, it's not just the coaches, it's not just the organization. It's everything from top to bottom. I wish them the best of luck."
Source: MLive.com
Thu, Mar 5, 2009 12:48:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Coach Sean Payton denied a report Wednesday that the Saints were interested in free agent Rudi Johnson.

If Payton had confirmed interest, it would've been the first we'd heard of Rudi this offseason. The 29-year-old finished 2008 with a 3.1 YPC average.
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune
Wed, Mar 4, 2009 05:52:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson rushed four times for 16 yards in Week 12 against the Bucs.

Johnson got a series all to his own in the first half when Kevin Smith was briefly sidelined with an injury. Smith also appeared to hurt his knee late in the fourth quarter, which potentially could put Johnson back on the fantasy radar.
Sun, Nov 23, 2008 04:15:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson (knee, probable) practiced without limitations Friday.

He will be fine to back up Kevin Smith Sunday versus the Buccaneers.
Fri, Nov 21, 2008 05:16:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson (knee) returned to a limited practice on Thursday.

He'll be available to behind Kevin Smith against the Bucs on Sunday.
Thu, Nov 20, 2008 05:18:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson (knee) did not take part in Lions practice Wednesday.

Rudi is expected to be available to back up Kevin Smith in Week 12.
Wed, Nov 19, 2008 04:16:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson suffered a knee injury in the Lions' Week 11 loss.

Rudi has fallen completely off the fantasy radar since losing his starting gig to Kevin Smith in Week 10. He has only eight touches to Smith's 50 over the past two weeks. Rudi's injury isn't expected to keep him out in Week 12.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Mon, Nov 17, 2008 02:40:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson gained four yards on two carries in Week 10 against the Jaguars.

Johnson started last week, but barely got off the bench against the Jaguars while Kevin Smith dominated the workload.
Sun, Nov 9, 2008 04:13:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson started again in Week 9, but gained only 19 yards on eight carries and caught two passes for 13 yards.

Johnson's yards-per-carry average is now down to 3.4 and if the Lions want to see if Kevin Smith is their future feature back, Rudi will need to go to the bench. He is not an effective player any longer, and definitely not the type of back that can manage production behind a woeful offensive line.
Sun, Nov 2, 2008 05:26:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson rushed eight times for 21 yards and one touchdown in Week 8 against the Redskins.

Johnson was on the field for most of the Lions' running downs and stumbled into the end zone for an 11-yard score in the first quarter, but lost snaps to Kevin Smith once the team went into catch-up mode late and now has just 27 yards over the past two games.
Sun, Oct 26, 2008 04:12:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson was held to six yards on six carries in Week 7 against the Texans.

Rudi has definitely lost ground to Kevin Smith, as the difference between the two backs was obvious Sunday. Rudi saw just one carry in the second half after a poor start. He's not a fantasy option against the Redskins offense in Week 8.
Sun, Oct 19, 2008 07:59:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson rushed 17 times for 38 yards in Week 6 against the Vikings.

Johnson was held to one yard on five first-half carries, but got the ball 13 times in the second half while Kevin Smith failed to touch the rock once.
Sun, Oct 12, 2008 04:42:00 PM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson voiced some frustration to reporters on Sunday about his workload with the Lions.

"I haven't really been used," Johnson said. "Would I like to help? Yes, I would like to contribute." Rudi had just five carries and three catches in Week 5. To be fair, the Lions' starting running back, Kevin Smith, had only eight carries and four catches.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Mon, Oct 6, 2008 09:23:00 AM
Rudi Johnson - RB - Lions

Rudi Johnson had five carries for 23 yards to go with three catches for nine yards against the Bears.

The numbers don't look very good, and they aren't, although the Lions appear to be making good on their claim to give him a roughly equal split with Kevin Smith (eight carres, four catches). He has a tough matchup for running backs next weekend in Minnesota.
Related: Kevin Smith
Sun, Oct 5, 2008 04:26:00 PM

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TE1Brandon Pettigrew
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K1David Akers
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