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Lions placing Kerryon Johnson on injured reserve

Lions running back Kerryon Johnson underwent a procedure on his knee after injuring it in Week 7. We break down the fantasy implications of his placement on injured reserve.

Kerryon Johnson of the Detroit Lions runes for a short gain as Xavier Rhodes of the Minnesota Vikings gets ready to make the top during the first quarter of the game at Ford Field on October 20, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia announced some unexpected news Tuesday afternoon, telling the media that running back Kerryon Johnson is headed to injured reserve. Johnson suffered a knee injury on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings and did not return to the game. The return designation allows the Lions to bring him back after eight weeks, and the team hopes to get him back this season, according to beat writer Michael Rothstein.

Ty Johnson took over as starter after Johnson left the game. Johnson finished with ten rushes for 29 yards and four catches for 28 yards. J.D. McKissic had five carries for 29 yards and two catches for 31 yards.

Fantasy football analysis, Lions RBs Kerryon Johnson, Ty Johnson, J.D. McKissic

The big question now is whether or not the Lions try and trade for a running back. Someone like Kenyan Drake makes a lot of sense as a temporary solution. The Lions are 2-3-1 and in last place in a bunched up NFC North. They’ve shown some life, so they could still be a buyer before next week’s trade deadline.

Ty Johnson is the guy to add off waivers, although McKissic could offer some PPR value as well. If you own Kerryon Johnson in re-draft leagues, you can safely drop him since he won’t return until the championship round at the earliest. If you have room to hold onto him, by all means, go ahead. But if you need roster space, drop him.