LJ Ready To Stick It To Chiefs

NFL News - November 18th, 2009 - Written by Scott

As if it wasn't already obvious enough, there doesn't appear to be a coy bone in Larry Johnson's body. With a half a season still to go, and still a lot of questions left to answer, Johnson has gone from one of the league's wastelands to what would probably equate to a tropical getaway (likely the first time Cincinnati has ever been referred to as such).

But Johnson apparently hasn't washed his hands of his former employer. In a press conference introducing him with the Bengals, Johnson told reporters that he is more than aware of the December 27 date with the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I'd be lying if I said I ain't looking at that as a game I want to definitely play in," Johnson said. "But we take it game at a time, one situation at a time, I'm just trying to get on the field as of right now, if that happens, it'd be the best Christmas gift I can get."

Johnson has never backed away from vocalizing whatever pops in his head at a moment's notice, but this time he is simply saying what almost every one else already assumed. And without the elusive nature of Brett Favre's comments leading up two is double-barrel blast of the Green Bay Packers, there's something refreshing about the honesty Johnson has conveyed. If nothing else, it fan the flames on a game that would have otherwise meant nothing.

As the second-to-last game of the regular-season, it is completely possible, and probable, that the Bengals will have the division and first-round bye wrapped up. In turn, the starters will probably be given a rest to prepare for the playoffs, and Johnson would therefore get the bulk of the carries against the Chiefs, probably the only time all year he will do so.

That is, unless starter Cedric Benson doesn't recover quickly from a hip injury. Benson, by the way, has already condoned the acquisition.

"It's good for him. I was once in that position and he's getting his opportunity again," Benson said. "If he can help the team in a positive way then I'm all for that."

As noted, he was in a similar spot earlier this year, facing the Chicago Bears after he said he felt mistreated by the organization. When the Bears came to Cincinnati, Benson put up his best numbers of the year, rushing for 189 yards and a touchdown, averaging a season-best 5.1 yards per carry. Perhaps Johnson noticed.

The team hasn't announced it yet, but Johnson will likely be inactive this week against the Oakland Raiders.

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