"Although everyone continues to stress that everything is operating smoothly, it is looking more like Larry Johnson could be in the lineup for the Bengals Sunday in Oakland.

Johnson practiced with the team for the first time Wednesday and did get a couple of snaps, but mostly tried to immerse himself in the playbook. Also on the field was Cedric Benson, but he did not practice as he continues to recover from a hip flexor injury.

Thursday's practice will be key: If Benson is unable to go, it's almost certain he will miss the game since players who don't practice on Wednesday and Thursday usually do not play. That will give Johnson three practices and five days to prepare.

"It's not easy for any player but you can give them certain things that they can relate to that they've done in their past," said offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. "They might be called something different but the concept and technique are the same."

Benson did it last year when he joined the Bengals on Sept. 30, then played five days later at Dallas.

Benson was guarded in his first comments since Johnson joined the team. He said that he realizes that football can be more of a business than a game.

"I didn't know I was supposed to be jumping out of my seat or anything. I really have no feelings about it," Benson said. "They made a move they felt they needed to do, and that's fine with me. It's not going to affect me in any kind of way. Whatever happens from here on, I can guarantee you I'll definitely be making the best of it."