FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/18/2009 10:24am et

Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis did not rule out using RB Larry Johnson Week 11. Lewis said, "I'm not going to say it can't happen, I'm not going to say it will happen, but stay tuned. He'd like to play, I know that."

The Huddle Take: The Bengals haven't ruled Cedric Benson out yet, but it sounds as if he's iffy at best for Week 11. That would leave Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard as the primary ball-carrying options. Johnson is still picking up the offense and at present is merely depth and insurance should Benson's injury turn out to be more significant than originally thought.

Posted: 11/17/2009 4:27pm et

NFL.com reports Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he plans to use RB Larry Johnson on the scout team during practices. Lewis does not expect Johnson to be active for any games in the near future.

The Huddle Take: Apparently L.J. won't be in the lineup this week for the Bengals against Oakland, which is surprising considering the injury Cedric Benson suffered in Week 11. It's looking more likely that Benson will play this week, but he'll probably surrender carries to Bernard Scott.

Posted: 11/17/2009 11:57am et

ESPN.com reports the Cincinnati Bengals signed free-agent RB Larry Johnson (Chiefs) to a one-year deal Tuesday, Nov. 17, a source told John Clayton, of ESPN.com. Financial terms of the deal were not available.

The Huddle Take: Johnson should be ready to go in at least a limited fashion in Week 11; enough to take a few carries away from Cedric Benson.

Posted: 11/16/2009 3:59pm et

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said free-agent RB Larry Johnson (Chiefs) would be used as a fourth running back if the team signs him. The signing would essentially have no effect on RBs Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott. The team wants to see Scott's role expand.

The Huddle Take: It's asking a little much to believe someone of Johnson's pedigree would be a fourth running back. If the Bengals do sign him, look for him to get a decent amount of touches each week. Even if he doesn't, Lewis' wish to get Scott more involved in the offense does not bode well for Benson's Fantasy prospects going forward.

Posted: 11/16/2009 1:50pm et

ESPNews reports the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to sign free-agent RB Larry Johnson (Chiefs).

The Huddle Take: Although both the Bengals and Cedric Benson (hip flexor) say he'll be able to play in Week 11, this signing, if it happens, isn't good news for Benson owners. Either he's hurt more than anyone's letting on, or Johnson will soon begin poaching Benson's carries. It's not like L.J.'s been sitting on a couch for six months; he's already in NFL shape and could immediately get a significant amount of carries.

Posted: 11/13/2009 11:18am et

Bill Williamson, of ESPN.com, reports Peter Schaffer, agent for free-agent RB Larry Johnson, said Johnson will not sign with a team before Monday, Nov. 16. Schaffer said he is making progress with some teams.

The Huddle Take: It would be extremely difficult for LJ to join an organization at this juncture and contribute anything this week. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see him find a late-season home in hopes of resurrecting his career a la Cedric Benson.

Posted: 11/9/2009 11:23am et

The Kansas City Chiefs announced Monday, Nov. 9, that they have released RB Larry Johnson.

The Huddle Take: It was only a matter of time before this became official. If Johnson clears waivers—likely, since no other team will want to pick up his remaining salary—he'll become a free agent. And then we'll get to see if he's the next Cedric Benson... or Maurice Clarett.

Posted: 11/2/2009 10:36am et

Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports the Chiefs have considered releasing RB Larry Johnson, according to an industry source. However, the team is cautious of the precedent releasing Johnson might set. The team does not want to send a message that if a player wants out of Kansas City, all he would have to do is speak out or act up to get his way. The team is keeping a close eye on Johnson and how he reacts to his suspension, according to the source.

The Huddle Take: With the Chiefs' franchise clearly in disarray, setting the precedent of "complain and you're gone" might backfire as veterans line up to jump ship. On the other hand, LJ has continued to be a distraction and is obviously not buying into the team's new direction... whatever direction that may be.

Posted: 10/31/2009 11:25pm et

ESPN reports the Kansas City Chiefs have reached a settlement with RB Larry Johnson regarding his suspension. Johnson will still be suspended two weeks, but he will only lose one game check.

The Huddle Take: Johnson may have worn out his welcome in Kansas City with this latest incident as the Chiefs will utilize Jamaal Charles much more in the offense. Fantasy owners who have Larry Johnson should take a chance to pickup Charles if he is available since Johnson could see more limited action even when he returns from suspension.

Posted: 10/30/2009 10:36am et

Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs RB Larry Johnson and the team are working on a settlement that could affect his future, according to Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer. Johnson is also working on an appeal of his two-week suspension.

The Huddle Take: The best thing for all involved would be for LJ to get a fresh start elsewhere. The Chiefs know he has zero trade value and likely want him gone before NFL trading opens up again after the season; they also would prefer not to give Johnson a $4 million parting gift when they release him, which is in essence what would happen with KC on the hook for what's left of the guaranteed money from his 2007 contract extension. Expect the two sides to ultimately agree upon a dollar figure that buys Larry his freedom from the Chiefs—and vice versa.