Mike Vrabel Announces D'Ernest Johnson Will Be Added to Practice Squad Ahead of Week 9
Mike Vrabel, head coach of the Tennessee Titans, has announced that D'Ernest Johnson, the veteran running back, will be added to the team’s practice squad ahead of
“D’Ernest is a player we’ve had our eye on for a while,” Vrabel said in his press conference. “He’s got the skill set and experience that we feel can help us out, especially with the way the season is shaping up. We’re excited to bring him into the fold and see how he fits into our offense.”
Johnson, who has played for multiple teams throughout his career, is known for his ability to contribute both as a ball carrier and in the passing game. With the Titans dealing with injuries in the backfield, Vrabel sees Johnson as a player who can step in and contribute when needed.
“We’ve had some moving pieces, and D’Ernest brings flexibility to that position,” Vrabel continued. “He’s a proven runner with good vision and patience, and he’s shown he can be reliable when given opportunities. We want to see how he integrates into our system and what he can provide us going forward.”
The addition of Johnson to the practice squad gives the Titans another potential weapon to work with as they prepare for their Week 9 matchup. Johnson’s experience could also provide leadership in the locker room, especially with the team’s younger running backs and offensive players.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve our depth, and this is a move we think can help us as we move into the second half of the season,” Vrabel said. “We’re ready to see what D’Ernest can bring to the team, and we’re excited to have him on board.”
As the Titans head into Week 9, all eyes will be on Johnson’s integration into the offense and how his addition can help Tennessee’s running game become more dynamic.
Script for McCarthy's return gets dreamier with Vikings' top two tackles back
Michigan. Tom Brady. Vikings. Lions. Who's got it better than J.J. McCarthy?
It's Week 9 of the NFL season and McCarthy will make his return to the field in Detroit for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2, and the script, which was already better than anything Hollywood could've dreamed up, got even better with multiple reports saying Vikings tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill will play.
Both Darrisaw and O'Neill were listed as questionable on Minnesota's final injury report, but their inclusion Sunday in the Motor City should make McCarthy's life under center a whole lot better.
The script really is perfect. McCarthy is playing in Michigan, where he led the Wolverines to a national championship alongside Aidan Hutchinson, who will be chasing him for the Lions, all while Michigan great Tom Brady calls the game in the FOX broadcast booth.
It's as good as it gets from the storyline perspective, and as big as it gets for a Minnesota team that has been plagued by injuries and stumbled to a 3-4 record. A win Sunday will keep them in the thick of the NFC North race, while a loss would significantly hurt their chances in the division and in the NFC wild-card race.
McCarthy played in the first two games of the season without Darrisaw, who was still going through the final stages of ACL rehab. The 22-year-old quarterback also played without wide receiver Jordan Addison in Weeks 1 and 2, as Addison was serving a three-game suspension connected to his DWI arrest in California in July 2024.
McCarthy also faced an Atlanta defense that has held every opposing quarterback to 205 passing yards or less. The Falcons held McCarthy to 158 pass yards, while also limiting Baker Mayfield (167), Bryce Young (121), Marcus Mariota (156), Josh Allen (180), Mac Jones (152), and Tua Tagovailoa (205).
All in all, McCarthy is making his return in a pivotal game — and he'll have the strongest supporting cast he's ever had in his young career as an NFL starter. The only key players he won't have around him are center Ryan Kelly, who is on injured reserve after sustaining two concussions, and No. 2 tight end Josh Oliver, who suffered a foot sprain last week against the Chargers.
The stage is set. Now it's up to McCarthy to show the world what he can do.
