Larry Johnson expected to sign with Bengals

Nov. 16 Larry Johnson is apparently back on an NFL team. One week after being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnson has reportedly found a home with the Cincinnati Bengals. A deal, if consummated, is expected to be for the prorated league minimum. Johnson hasn't played since a week seven loss to the Chargers. Soon afterward, he questioned head coach Todd Haley's credibility and used a homosexual slur toward one of his followers on Twitter. The Chiefs then put Johnson on a two-week suspension and cut him on the day the suspension ended, Nov. 9. On 132 carries, Johnson is averaging a career-worst 2.7 yards per carry and hasn't scored a touchdown this season.

Fantasy Analysis:
This isn't a completely done deal, but it looks to be awfully close. This move comes on the heels of Cincinnati starting running back Cedric Benson leaving Sunday's win against the Steelers with a strained hip flexor. The initial reports on Benson have stated that his injury isn't serious, but I guess there's nothing wrong with some more insurance. Bernard Scott filled in after Benson departed and ran for 33 yards on 13 carries. Unless Benson is seriously hurt, Johnson won't be anything more than backup, but he probably becomes Benson's primary backup. Considering how he has run this season, he wouldn't be much help as a starter for any team. Obviously, his fantasy value is limited. But at least it's better than nothing, which is where it was for the past week.

Nov. 16 update: Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that if Johnson signed with the team, he would be inactive on game days and become the Bengals' No. 4 running back behind Benson, Scott and Brian Leonard.

Source:
ESPN.com

Players Involved:
RB Johnson, Larry, CIN
RB Benson, Cedric, CIN
RB Scott, Bernard, CIN

Team Involved:
CIN  

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