Rudi Johnson apparently did not need long to find a new team.
Johnson agreed to terms on one-year deal with the Detroit Lions
Monday, according to a report by ESPN.
The move came two days after the running back was released by
the Cincinnati Bengals. A former Pro Bowler and three-time
1,000-yard rusher, Johnson became expendable in Cincinnati due
to various injuries suffered over the past two seasons.
Johnson, who turns 29 next month, rushed for 5,742 yards in
seven seasons with the Bengals. He suffered a hamstring injury
in Week Three last season and was limited to 11 games.
The six-year veteran, who averaged a career-worst 2.9 yards last
season, pulled his hamstring during the first week of training
camp and did not play a single down this preseason.
In Detroit, he is expected to aid rookie starter Kevin Smith,
but could eventually assume the starting role. The signing is
not official yet because it was announced after league offices
closed for the day, meaning the Lions do not have to make a
roster move.
However, Johnson's signing is an indicator that Tatum Bell's
days with the team are over. Bell carried 16 times for 26 yards
in three preseason games after playing in just five games last
season.
