Football

November 19, 2009

L.J. introduced by Bengals

Troubled running back was signed by Cincinnati for the rest of the season.

The Associated Press

CINCINNATI — Another troubled player trying to revive his career? Nothing new for Cincinnati.

Most Bengals players were unruffled Wednesday by the signing of running back Larry Johnson, brought in for the rest of the season in what’s been described as a reserve role to help the AFC North leaders should they have an injury.

“We’ve definitely got a history with picking up guys that other teams are going to shy away from and having success with them, so hopefully it will be a success,” quarterback Carson Palmer said, reflecting the sentiment in the locker room.

The most telling reaction came from the player who could be affected most. Running back Cedric Benson didn’t have much to say.

The Bengals signed Johnson for the rest of the season on Tuesday, giving them another running back in case Benson’s injury lingers. He had to leave an 18-12 win in Pittsburgh on Sunday because of sprained hip muscles. He didn’t practice Wednesday.

After a light morning workout, Benson didn’t have much to say about the team’s decision. Told that he didn’t appear to be thrilled with the move, he smiled.

“Oh, I didn’t know I was supposed to be jumping out of my seat or anything,” Benson said.

“I really have no feelings about it,” he added. “They made a move they felt they needed to do, and that’s fine with me, whatever decisions they make in that area. It’s not going to affect me in any kind of way. Whatever happens from here on, I can guarantee you I’ll definitely be making the best of it.”

It’ll be one of the interesting subplots during their drive for the playoffs.

By sweeping the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens — the teams that played in the AFC title game last season — Cincinnati (7-2) put itself in control of the division. The Bengals lead the Steelers by a game, and have the important tiebreakers in their favor.

Plus, they’ve made it through the most challenging part of the schedule. The next three games are at Oakland (2-7), then home against Cleveland (1-8) and Detroit (1-8). There’s also a home game against Kansas City (2-7) left.

Why take a chance on bringing in a player who was released by the Chiefs after he questioned the head coach’s competence and used gay slurs on his Twitter account?

“Once I found out about him coming here, I knew it was a good addition,” receiver Chad Ochocinco said. “Everyone continues to look at the things that’s going on off the field with the Twitter issues, but we’re talking about a great football player, a great running back that can help us, which adds another weapon to our offense.”

If he stays out of trouble, Johnson could come in handy.

Benson has been the focal point of the Bengals’ renewed commitment to run the ball this season, one of the main factors in their rise to the top of the division. Benson already has carried an NFL-leading 205 times, nine shy of his career high for any season.

His backup is rookie Bernard Scott, a sixth-round draft pick from Abilene Christian.

If Benson’s injury lingers, Johnson could see his role expand quickly. Coach Marvin Lewis hasn’t ruled out playing him in Oakland if Benson is sidelined.

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