"Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith split most of the practice time Wednesday as the Chiefs' running backs, both of them trying to prove they're ready for a more significant role.

Charles caught passes during practice, and Smith tested his surgically repaired knee at the team's indoor facility. Both appeared capable of handling a greater load.

"If they need me," Smith said Wednesday, "I can be used."

They do. Starting running back Larry Johnson was issued a two-week suspension by the Chiefs on Wednesday night for conduct detrimental to the team. He will not be permitted at team headquarters or allowed to participate in team activities before Nov. 9, the day after the Chiefs play at Jacksonville.

Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, told The Star on Wednesday that an appeal would be filed today. He said he would ask for an expedited hearing and he hoped for an expedited response.

"We respectfully disagree," Schaffer said. "This punishment doesn't fit the action."

Johnson had already been barred from the team Tuesday for remarks he made earlier in the week, although that was not a suspension. Until the team escalated Johnson's punishment, he was listed on the Chiefs' 53-man roster and would have received his weekly checks. While suspended, Johnson won't be paid, saving the Chiefs about $660,000 in total compensation the next two weeks."