OHIO — With top running backs Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb out with injuries, Browns third string back D’Ernest Johnson had an improbable performance leading Cleveland to a 17-14 win over Denver on Thursday Night Football. 

What You Need To Know

  • Browns running back D’Ernest Johnson is up for the NFL’s Ground Player of the Week award

  • Johnson made his first NFL start after top rushers Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb suffered injuries

  • Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is up for the NFL’s Air Player of the Week

  • Fans can vote for Burrow and Johnson on the NFL website

In recognition of his performance, Johnson is among three players up for the NFL’s Ground Player of the Week for Week 7. Chubb is facing Patriots back Damien Harris and Colts rusher Jonathan Taylor. 

Johnson, who made his first career NFL start on Thursday, compiled 146 yards on 22 carries including his first NFL touchdown. 

Johnson is just two years separated from playing in the Alliance of American Football, a minor league that filed for bankruptcy in its first and only season. 

“I never lost trust in the process,” Johnson said. “Coming from a fishing boat, I always dreamed of playing in the NFL. Even when playing in the AAF, I always dreamed of playing here in the league. Being able to be on this team is a blessing. It is always a dream come true to be able to be here. To be able start and come out here and help the team win, that is the best feeling.”

He earned praise from his coach following the game.

“We got a team win,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said after last Thursday’s win. “I could single out a bunch of guys, but D’Ernest Johnson to me is a warrior and a great teammate. What he has fought through in his career and then to go have a night like that and to end it how he did on that this down, I thought was just outstanding.”

The surprising performance came as starting quarterback Baker Mayfield was scratched due to a lingering shoulder injury.

In another surprising performance over the weekend, the Bengals defeated AFC North rival Baltimore 41-17 to take first place in the AFC. Second-year quarterback Joe Burrow, completed 23 of 38 passes for 416 yards and three touchdowns. Burrow is up for the NFL’s Air Player of the Week.

Burrow, a former Ohio State backup who transferred to LSU and won the Heisman Trophy, is sixth in the NFL in passing yardage. 

He faces Rams QB Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers of the Packers. 

Fans can vote for the NFL’s Air Player of the Week and Ground Player of the Week on its website.

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