Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis spoke to ex-Chiefs RB Larry Johnson even before Cedric Benson suffered a hip flexor injury in the Nov. 15 win at Pittsburgh, and after Benson was hurt, a Johnson-Bengals pairing became all the more logical. When healthy, Benson will be the Bengals' featured back, but he has played through several nagging injuries this season, and Johnson's addition — which comes with Benson's blessing — bolsters Cincinnati's backfield depth and could help to reduce the strain on the entire group, which also includes rookie Bernard Scott and third-year pro Brian Leonard. Lewis has indicated Johnson will be worked in slowly and believes he will benefit because "he comes in here and doesn't have to be the bellcow to begin with." The Bengals' reserve backs have carved out defined and important roles, with Scott now the team's primary kickoff returner and Leonard a key pass catcher out of the backfield. Johnson is somewhat in the mold of Benson and gives the Bengals yet another physical back to use if the game plan is to wear down the opposition.

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