"The Chiefs and running back Larry Johnson are working on a settlement that could affect his future, Johnson's agent told The Star on Thursday.

Peter Schaffer, who has represented Johnson for about a year, said in an e-mail that he was working on an appeal of Johnson's two-week suspension at the same time as he and the Chiefs are discussing a settlement.

"Full bore on both," Schaffer wrote.

Asked whether that settlement could involve Johnson's separation from the team, Schaffer wrote: "Not necessarily."

Schaffer was later reached by phone Thursday night. When asked whether he expects Johnson to play with the Chiefs again, Schaffer said: "Larry Johnson is a member of the Chiefs right now."

Schaffer wouldn't reveal details of his discussions with the Chiefs, or what Johnson was seeking in the settlement.

"The best-case scenario is we find a way to keep it positive," Schaffer said. "There's a lot of things in play, and nothing has been decided.""