Bengals Officially Sign RB Larry Johnson, Cedric Benson Approves of Move
It was revealed on Monday that the Bengals were expected to sign former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson and they made the move official on Tuesday
ESPN has confirmed that the Cincinnati Bengals have officially signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson to a one-year contract worth $255,290, which is the league minimum for veteran players. The acquisition comes after speculation arose on Monday that indicated the formerly disgruntled Johnson would sign with the Bengals during the week. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has reportedly informed Johnson that he will be fourth on the team's depth chart at the running back position.
He also told the former Chiefs star that he has been acquired as an insurance policy in case a serious injury were to occur to the team's current starting running back, Cedric Benson. Benson sustained a strained hip during last Sunday's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and he has described the injury as minor, though his availability for this Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders is currently uncertain.
Benson, who is the sixth leading rusher in the National Football League, commented on his team's acquisition of Larry Johnson during a Sirius XM satellite radio interview earlier this morning, according to The USA Today.
He approved of the signing by saying, "I was once in that position and he's getting his opportunity again. In all aspects we definitely plan on it to be a contribution to the team. If he can help the team in a positive way then I'm all for that."
