Kyle

Johnson

Tight end Patrick Hape was used as a lead blocker Sunday. Reuben Droughns may be forced to move to fullback next week.

Good news for Reuben Droughns and Tatum Bell in fantasy playoff leagues.

Johnson has versatile skills New England values. He’s a solid receiver (Johnson scored five TDs in 2005) and can help as a blocker. Free agent DBs Sammy Davis, Bhawoh Jue, Jerametrius Butler, Dexter McCleon, and DeJuan Groce, the latter three who are ex-Rams, were also in Foxborough.

The team is planning for Sapp to take on more of a role as a runner out of the backfield this year, and he could be the third option behind Travis Henry and Mike Bell. Kyle Johnson and Paul Smith are candidates to start at fullback.

Surprising. It appears Denver will rely on Paul Smith, Cecil Sapp and possibly Mike Bell to do the blocking for Travis Henry unless they add a fullback off waivers.

He was with the time for a number of seasons before getting cut in training camp. This is a clear sign that either Travis Henry or Selvin Young are expected to miss this week’s game. Mike Bell will probably slide back to tailback.

This reverses a move made last week. Johnson had seen significant time after Andre Hall was injured on Sunday, as Cecil Sapp was moved to running back leaving Johnson at FB. His release is a sign that the Broncos’ are optimistic about their running back corps’ health.

Johnson has only four carries this season, but has scored six touchdowns - five through the air. He’s expected to be able to suit up the final two weeks.

Despite the modest numbers, Johnson actually led the Broncos in receiving for the week. While Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell got most of the publicity in Denver, Johnson quietely racked up six touchdowns as a receiving back.

Substitute Cecil Sapp had a big day in his stead, twice rumbling to the one-yard line of the Colts. Johnson will be further evaluated today.