"Barring any last-minute hiccups, the Bengals are expected to announce Tuesday that they have signed former Kansas City running back Larry Johnson as an insurance policy in case of injuries. Johnson arrived in town on Monday and met with the coaching staff.

ESPN reported earlier in the day that the deal would be worth the prorated league minimum. If that's the case, then Johnson would earn $306,764.43 for the remaining seven games. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson has talked to other teams, but it appears as if the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back.

In order to address or quell rumors, coach Marvin Lewis said during his afternoon press conference that Johnson would be the fourth running back and that the role of the three backs on the roster would not change.

"It would have zero affect on Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott or Brian Leonard," Lewis said. "I'm very happy right now with what they're doing and their roles and I want to see Bernard's role continue to expand as it did yesterday."

The rumors about Johnson coming to Cincinnati really intensified following Sunday's 18-12 win over Pittsburgh when Benson left during the second quarter with a hip flexor strain."