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Bengals eye Larry Johnson to back up Ced Benson

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ESPN.com reports: With former Bear Cedric Benson ailing, the Bengals are flying in former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson today and expect to sign him to provide depth at the position.

Benson left Sunday's game against Pittsburgh in the second quarter because of a hip injury, but said hoped to be back for Sunday's game at Oakland.

Citing a source close to the negotiations, ESPN's Michael Smith reports that a deal, if consummated, is expected to be for the prorated league minimum.

The Chiefs released Johnson -- who rushed for a team-record 1,789 yards on an NFL-record 416 carries in 2006 -- last Monday, the day he was due back from his second (two-week) suspension in the past 12 months. His last brush with controversy came two weeks ago when he posted on his Twitter account a gay slur, insulted followers and questioned the competence of head coach Todd Haley.

Get the full story: ESPN.com.

1 Comments

**Tigress** on November 16, 2009 8:46 PM

We may have had a past wearing our stripes of the jailbird variety- however Marvin Lewis is proving he can turn a team around. Cut him some slack and look at what this team of misfits has done this year! I say bring on LJ. He made a mistake and let his mouth get is his way. But his stats speak louder.

WildPigzMotors on November 16, 2009 8:41 PM

Attention Johnson naysayers- We've stopped being pushed around by Pittsburgh. We've stopped being pushed around by Baltimore. We're starting to become the cream of the crop. Quit worrying about their past, and start worrying about their future, with us. If it wasn't a good idea Marvin Lewis wouldn't even consider it. Wake up and smell the jungle! Who Dey!

BEAR-A-HOLIC on November 16, 2009 6:25 PM

Isn't that why your team has stripes on the uniforms ?

Yeah, we have picked up a few of those. Some have been shown the door for the better, but there is one that seems to be doing okay. Actually, it is the guy that LJ would be backing up.

Maybe, just maybe, Marvin has come up with a solid strategy to motivate players and make the Bengals a cohesive and respectful unit. I am reading a book that Lewis and Palmer have both taken to heart, "It's Your Ship." The leadership techniques are pretty solid and if Marvin is truly creating a team mentality, then he may be able to take a troubled individual like Johnson and turn him around. Time will tell, of course, but this is the time to be optimistic. I would rather look forward to an unstoppable Benson/Johnson combo than dread one misguided player dragging down the team. Maybe that's just me.

maybe you all do not remember that c.benson was in the same boat a couple seasons ago

Boggs Junior on November 16, 2009 1:20 PM

Ugh, another thug..

Thats honestly the last person we need as a back up RB... even if it will help keep benson healthy. We've already picked up enough people who already have had troubles with other teams....

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