Green Bay Packers fans saw the potential. The team apparently didn't. Now, rookie running back Amar Johnson may finally get the opportunity he needs.
Johnson only wanted Green Bay on draft day, and he got his wish by signing with the team as an undrafted free agent immediately after. The rookie played like he had a point to prove to the Packers by lighting up the preseason, with fans urging the team to find room for him on the 53-man roster.
Green Bay's crowded running back room led to Johnson's departure, but the Los Angeles Chargers may give him his opportunity following an injury to rookie star Omarion Hampton.
Former Packers RB Amar Johnson can shock the world with the Chargers
Hampton, the Chargers' first-round pick, landed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in Week 5 — it will cost him at least four games. Los Angeles already lost Najee Harris, leaving the team decimated at running back.
Enter Johnson?
Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins were next in line following Hampton's injury last week, with Johnson inactive on the practice squad. But unless the Chargers add a veteran before Week 6, they will almost certainly need to elevate Johnson for their game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
And all he needs is an opportunity.
The comparisons to Aaron Jones were there all summer, and he may find himself in a similar position to how Jones broke out as a rookie. Nobody expected him to land a significant role in the Packers' offense, but injuries to Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams opened the door. Jones never looked back.
No, Johnson likely won't become a multi-time Pro Bowler and overtake Hampton as the Chargers' lead back, but he can undoubtedly force his way into Jim Harbaugh's plans by maximizing his minutes, whenever they come.
In the preseason, Johnson turned 22 carries into 115 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt.
He showed a bit of everything. Johnson displayed tremendous vision and acceleration, while also breaking a tackle, on his highlight-reel 39-yard touchdown. In the following game against the Indianapolis Colts, Johnson barreled his way into the end zone, breaking about a million tackles and refusing to go down.
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Johnson's 72.3 PFF grade ranked sixth among Packers offensive players in the preseason. Only Malik Willis had a better rushing grade than the rookie's 75.8.
His rushing grade ranked 13th among 108 running backs. Johnson ranked sixth in yards after contact per attempt (4.5), while tying for 13th in missed tackles forced (six). His elusive rating of 131.3 ranked ninth at the position.
Johnson also showed some potential as a blocker, which is always a concern with rookie running backs.
He delivered in the preseason — repeatedly — and should still be in Green Bay. It's unclear exactly why the Packers moved on, although it's fair to assume their crowded backfield played a part. Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, and Chris Brooks sit atop the depth chart, and the Packers will hopefully get MarShawn Lloyd back soon.
Johnson deserves an opportunity, and he may get it for the Chargers this week. Packers fans already know it, but the rookie may soon shock the rest of the NFL world.