Texans RB David Johnson placed on reserve/COVID-19 list, out vs. Bears

The Houston Texans will be without running back David Johnson once again. 

On Friday, Houston confirmed that Johnson has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list and won't be available for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.

Johnson missed three consecutive outings due to the concussion that he suffered in the 27-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 8. The 28-year-old returned for last Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts and rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown in the 26-20 defeat. 

As ESPN's Sarah Barshop reported, Johnson missed practice on Thursday due to what interim head coach Romeo Crennel referred to as "a personal issue," a suggestion that the ball-carrier might be experiencing virus symptoms. If that is the case, Johnson would likely also sit for the Dec. 20 game at Indianapolis. 

Veteran RB Duke Johnson is on track to serve as Houston's top backfield option as he did during David Johnson's previous absences. Duke Johnson was limited in practice on Thursday because of an illness not related to the coronavirus pandemic but carries no injury designation into the Week 14 clash with Chicago. 

Duke Johnson has rushed for 209 yards on 69 carries (3.0 yards per attempt) with one touchdown this season. He's also contributed 26 receptions for 196 receiving yards and a score.