Freddie Kitchens on D'Ernest Johnson

In his post game presser, Cleveland Browns head coach was asked about running back D'Ernest Johnson, who had a good outing against the Indianapolis Colts and may well be on his way to securing a roster spot to open the season.

After the game against the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens was asked about D'Ernest Johnson, who had a nice game. And Kitchens said they didn't really know much about Johnson after he got here, which was later than some of the others.

That's apt given the fact that Johnson played in the lone season of the AAF with Garrett Gilbert and Ishmael Hyman on the Orlando Apollos. Just going by the games in the preseason, it would be pretty difficult to separate Johnson and Dontrell Hilliard.

Both show good speed, are pretty decisive runners and can catch passes out of the backfield. The other thing they share in common is that neither has shown any real ability to pass protect, which is at least of slight concern.

Hilliard was unavailable due to injury and Johnson made the most of the opportunity carrying the ball 10 times for 53 yards and catching three passes for 26 yards and a touchdown.

With Duke Johnson traded to the Houston Texans and Kareem Hunt's suspension looming at the start of the season, Johnson has a good shot to secure himself a spot on the 53-man roster for at least half the season. If he keeps this type of effort going, he might be able to move up the depth chart and pass Hilliard.

When all is said and done, the Browns could end up keeping two players that played last season in the AAF.