CINCINNATI — Larry Johnson might get to revive his troubled career with a team known for giving second chances.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that Johnson would be in Cincinnati to discuss a limited role — fourth-string running back, essentially an insurance policy in case Cedric Benson’s hip injury gets worse or another running back gets hurt.
“I couldn’t foresee him being active when he was initially here, if this is what happens,” Lewis said. “And that’s what I’ve told him.”
Lewis said the interest in Johnson is unrelated to Benson’s injury. Benson strained a hip muscle and couldn’t finish an 18-12 win in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Benson is expected to practice on a limited basis this week. Lewis said there’s a chance he could play Sunday in Oakland.
Johnson, who turns 30 on Thursday, was released last week by the Chiefs.
Portis still experiencing concussion symptoms
ASHBURN, Va. — Clinton Portis is still experiencing “a little blurriness” from his concussion, making it uncertain whether the Redskins running back will play next week against Dallas.
When Portis does come back, he’ll regain his starting job — even though the Redskins had their best rushing day of the season (174 yards) without him during Sunday’s 27-17 victory over the Broncos.
“I don’t want a guy to have to lose his job because he got a concussion,” coach Jim Zorn said. “He’s our running back. Who knows what kind of game he might have had?”
Also, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has a sprained left ankle and will be re-evaluated this week.
Footnotes.
The NFL fined Titans owner Bud Adams $250,000 for making an obscene gesture at Buffalo fans while celebrating Tennessee’s victory.
• Seahawks running back Julius Jones is likely to miss Sunday’s game at Minnesota because of a bruised lung.
• Jets safety Jim Leonhard is out indefinitely because of a broken right thumb.
• The Rams have lost leading wide receiver Keenan Burton for the rest of the season, the result of a right knee injury in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans.
• The Cowboys will be without safety Ken Hamlin (ankle) at least three weeks and offensive tackle Marc Columbo (broken leg) longer than that.
• Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown (foot) is unlikely to play Thursday against the Panthers.
• Jon Gruden agreed to a multiyear contract to stay at ESPN.
The Associated Press
