Larry Johnson Has Big Day for Bengals

It did not take very long for Cincinnati's controversial signing of Larry Johnson to pay off.

Seeing extensive playing time with starting running back Cedric Benson injured, Johnson carried 22 times for 107 yards -- the first time he'd topped the century mark since Week 16 of last season, when he was still with Kansas City -- as the Bengals beat Cleveland, 17-6.

"I'm just glad they trust me to go in there, especially with the division and the playoffs on the line," Johnson said. "I just came here for a second chance."

More: Check Box Score | Former NFL Player Makes Startling Admission

Johnson split carries with rookie Bernard Scott, who suffered a turf toe injury early Sunday, but played through it. Scott received Cincinnati's first seven carries before Johnson took over.

"By far, this isn't what I was expecting," John said. "I wasn't expecting to come in and play as much as I did today."

Johnson was cut by the Chiefs on Nov. 9, following a highly-publicized sequence of events in which Johnson criticized K.C. head coach Todd Haley on Twitter and fired off a homophobic slur at a reporter.

The Bengals then signed Johnson prior to Week 11 -- no doubt because of Benson's lingering hip injury. Johnson eased into the lineup during Cincinnati's loss at Oakland last Sunday, rushing for five yards on two carries, but took over against the Browns.