More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

3 months ago: New England Patriots wide receiver Joey Galloway hauls in a pass during NFL football training camp at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

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While the signing of Larry Johnson, and to a smaller degree, the release of Ben Utecht, were Tuesday's primary headlines, the Bengals weren't through, just yet. On Tuesday, the Bengals worked out three other players; wide receiver Joey Galloway, safety Mike Doss and defensive lineman Ed Johnson. Johnson was released by the Indianapolis Colts in October because he lacked production. In Joey Galloway's case, he just never caught on with the Patriots. Mike Doss, who played for Cincinnati at the end of last year, was released with Chris Perry, Eric Henderson, Nate Lawrie and Gary Russell in April.

The Bengals invited Galloway, who could be used as a deep threat on a core of wide receivers that are more possession receivers. Unless, of course, you play Jerome Simpson, who has speed. It appears that Ed Johnson is more trouble than he's worth. Johnson was arrested in September of 2008 when Indiana police pulled Johnson over for speeding and found he was in possession of marijuana. Along with lacking production, there's no benefit signing Johnson at this point. Doss was awesome in college. Since then, injuries have really slowed him down and he's, at best, a special teams contributor.

In the end, I'll be surprised if the Bengals offer anyone that visited a contract.

More photos » by Al Behrman - AP

7 months ago: -- FILE -- In this July 28, 2008 file photo, Cincinnati Bengals tight end Ben Utecht takes a break during practice at training camp, in Georgetown, Ky. Utecht will release his first album on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 under the Stylos Records label. The 12-song album titled "Ben Utecht" is the first for the professional football player, who wrote songs about his faith.(AP Photo/Al Behrman)

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In a somewhat of a surprising move in that category of moves that shouldn't surprise anyone, the Cincinnati Bengals announced that they released Antonio Chatman and Ben Utecht Tuesday afternoon. Both players were released from the reserve/injury list, which means they wouldn't affect the current 53-man roster. Utecht was scheduled to earn $2.25 million in 2009 and $2.5 million in 2010. Chatman was scheduled to earn $620,000 this year only.

Utecht's release is a bit surprising considering the tight ends they have signed for 2010. Chase Coffman. Clark Harris. And Harris is hardly a tight end, now taking on the role as the team's long snapper.

Makes you wonder what they'll plan for next year. Will Coffman be the leading tight end? Will they re-sign Utecht to a cheaper one-year deal? Will Reggie Kelly make his return with Cincinnati? What about J.P. Foschi, who I could argue has been a decent tight end on the rushing offense.

In other news of player transactions, the Bengals signed safety Brannon Condren to the team's practice squad on Tuesday. Since I have no idea who this guy is, I'll cite the Bengals.com piece.

Condren (6-1, 205; Troy) is a third-year NFL player. He opened 2009 with Indianapolis, but was waived on July 29. A fourth-round draft choice of Indianapolis in 2007, he played in eight games for the Colts that season, with two tackles, a pass defensed and four special teams tackles. He was waived by the Colts on Aug. 30, 2008. Later in ’08, he was inactive for four games with St. Louis and played in four games for Miami, with three special teams tackles. 

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

11 days ago: FILE -- This is an Oct. 18, 2009, file photo showing Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson carrying the ball during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, in Landover, Md. The Chiefs have released troubled running back Larry Johnson. A two-paragraph statement from the team Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, simply listed Johnson's statistics and announced his release. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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The Cincinnati Bengals and running back Larry Johnson have agreed to terms and the "deal is done", writes Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk. As of this posting, neither the Bengals nor Johnson's agent Peter Schaffer had announced anything official. But we're sure a nice morning announcement will be scheduled, maybe even with the introduction of Johnson to the press and fans.

The initial thought was that the Bengals were concerned enough about Cedric Benson's injury that they contacted and invited Johnson for a workout. However, Marvin Lewis said during the press conference Monday afternoon, that he "spoke to Larry Johnson last Thursday, and I wanted to visit with him about his future." ESPN's Michael Smith wrote that the Bengals were one of several teams to express interest before Sunday.

Which means the Bengals were interested before Benson's injury on Sunday.

Johnson's legal troubles are well documented. He's been arrested four times since 2003. The charges include felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor domestic battery when he waved a gun at his girlfriend at the time. Charges were later dropped. A woman made an accusation that Johnson pushed her to the ground. The case was dropped because the accuser didn't appear in the hearings. In 2008, he allegedly pushed a woman's head and his fourth arrest came when he spit a drink in a woman's face. He pled guilty to both and sentenced to two years of probation.

Nice.

Johnson's career peaked, so far, between 2005 and 2006 when he rushed for 3,539 yards and recorded 37 rushing touchdowns. He was a threat out of the backfield in the passing game too, catching 74 passes in that time frame.

I understand the points against signing Johnson. I've made them myself.

From a purely football perspective, Johnson does bring something to the table. Even though he only carried the football seven times on Sunday, Benson is still the league leader with 205 rushing attempts. He's nine rushing attempts from reaching a career-high 214 attempts in 2008. Furthermore, Benson is hurt. What better scenario than to give give Benson a game or two off to rest and recover, allowing a healthier and stronger Benson during the stretch run towards the playoffs.

I know what you're saying. What about the Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard committee. I wondered that myself. But we honestly don't know whether either running back can be a 20-carry feature back. Scott said he felt great after a 13-carry performance against a hard-hitting Steelers defense. And, as Lewis said, this potential signing is merely an insurance policy.

UPDATE: Contract Signed and Benson responds. Joe Reedy tweets that the contract is signed and that we're just waiting for the official announcement. Reedy also tweets a Cedric Benson comment, "It’s good for him. I was once in that position and he’s getting his opportunity again."

UPDATE: Schefter provides contract situation. ESPN's Adam Schefter writes that "Larry Johnson gets $4 million Chiefs owed him AND veteran minimum Bengals will pay him AND chance to play for contender." This is Johnson's seventh season, so he's accrued six seasons. Estimates are that he should get between $630,000-$730,000.

UPDATE: Bengals cut Orien Harris to make room for Johnson. For the second time, the Bengals excused themselves of defensive tackle Orien Harris for a running back. The first, a trade with St. Louis for Brian Leonard. The second, released to make room for Larry Johnson.

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

11 days ago: FILE -- This is a Sept. 3, 2009, file photo showing Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson on the sidelines during a preseason NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, in St. Louis. The Kansas City Chiefs have released troubled running back Larry Johnson. A two-paragraph statement from the team Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, simply listed Johnson's statistics and announced his release. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

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During Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting running back Cedric Benson suffered a hip flexor strain in the second quarter. His last rushing attempt came with 4:02 left in the first half, finishing with seven rushing attempts for 22 yards rushing. Later that night, Benson told Adam Schefter that he should be alright and play against the Oakland Raiders next Sunday.

However, the team might not be convinced. Rather than forcing Benson to play with an injury, the Bengals reportedly will sign Larry Johnson on Monday. Adam Schefter tweets:

ESPN's Michael Smith reporting that Larry Johnson is en route to Cincinnati, and barring a breakdown, is expected to sign with Bengals.

The move doesn't come as much of a surprise. The Bengals are known for signing players on the cheap, especially proven players who are finding themselves begging for a second chance. Johnson had a tremendous two-year stretch between 2005 and 2006, recording 4,292 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns. Between 2007 and 2008, Johnson played in 20 of a possible 32 games and his 2.9 yards-per-rush average in 2009 is a career low.

Johnson, released by the Kansas City Chiefs a week ago, has been characterized as having anger issues.

“I think it’s more perception than it was reality,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t upset. If anybody likes losing, they shouldn’t be playing this game, or any game. It just left a bad taste in my mouth every game we were losing … you just felt like you were useless. You felt like you weren’t doing enough for the team to put them in a position to win. If I was frustrated and upset, it was mainly for myself.”

The obvious question now, if Johnson does sign, is what happens with the Bengals roster of running backs. One can't expect that the team will waive Bernard Scott, after his 260 yards total against the Steelers or Brian Leonard, who's conversions on third and fourth down were very critical. Who on the roster gets the axe? And much more pressing is how serious is Benson's injury?

Questions, question, questions.

UPDATE: Here's Michael Smith's original article that Adam Schefter tweeted earlier. In this article, Smith writes that the Bengals were interested before Benson's injury on Sunday. Smith also chronicles Johnson's "issues".

In 2008, then-coach Herm Edwards benched him for three straight games for violating team rules and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him a fourth game for violating the league's player conduct policy.

Johnson was later sentenced to two years' probation after pleading guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace. One woman accused him of throwing a drink on her and another said he had pushed her head at a Kansas City night spot.

UPDATE: More on Larry Johnson's troubles -- a refresher course of sorts. Before being released by the Chiefs, Kansas City fans started an online petition asking Chiefs general manager "Scott Pioli to deactivate Johnson and keep him on the sideline so he cannot pass Priest Holmes for the team rushing record, or join the team's Ring of Honor at Arrowhead Stadium."

"While we are thankful for his service, we feel that Larry has been a black eye on the organization and has no business being mentioned" among the team's all-time greats, the petition reads.

Johnson was initially suspended "without pay through Nov. 8 after he questioned coach Todd Haley's qualifications on his Twitter account and twice used a homosexual slur. On Monday, the team reached a settlement with Johnson, reducing the amount of pay he would lose in half, to $315,000."

UPDATE: Suggesting discretion first. We have to advise you not to read anything into this until the actual signing happens. We've been burnt by this before, so discretion is good advice here. Ironically enough, Chad, promoting the OCNN, advises the same thing.

OCNN BREAKING NEWS: Larry Johnson hasn't signed with the Bengals, when and if it does happen ill tweet the ROC is n building

UPDATE: A Pragmatic Bengals Fan weighs in.

Part of me is concerned about bringing a negative guy like Johnson on board, I won't claim otherwise.  I think part of the reason Cedric Benson is so different for our Bengals than he was for the Bears is that he sat at home for such a long period of time.  He had to admit to himself that the league could go on without him, and I don't know that a couple of weeks of inactivity will have carried the same message to Larry Johnson.  Chemistry in a locker room and on the field of play can be a very delicate formula, and our Bengals have better chemistry now than I remember them ever having as a team. 

That said, not too long ago Larry Johnson was an exceedingly talented running back.  A friend of mine said in a message board discussion about this topic last night that film of LJ in 2006 should be required viewing for every aspiring running back at the Combine.  The guy had absolutely no fear hitting the hole and was able to turn a crease into long gainers with alarming regularity. He ate linebackers for lunch, and would run through you or around you.  It didn't matter to him, he was just getting the yardage he wanted.

So I'm torn.

I think for me personally, I'm not entirely opposed to this move for a couple of reasons.  Larry Johnson is a very similar runner to the Cincinnati version of Cedric Benson, the Cedric Benson who was a world-beater at Texas.  Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard are not that guy.  Perhaps in the spirit of "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality, LJ would be a good addition until Cedric Benson is right and ready for a playoff run.  That said, I liked what I saw out of Bernard Scott yesterday and I was hoping he would have a good chance to keep developing and growing over the next two or three weeks before hopefully getting Benson back for the last four weeks of the season and a playoff push. 

If I had anything to say about it, I would absolutely make sure that Marvin Lewis got to Larry Johnson in the negotiating room and let him know exactly why he was here.  Let him know exactly what they want from him, and let him know his place with this team.  Marvin has been exceptional at getting the guys to realize that many of them weren't wanted elsewhere and that this was a home for them if they played to their ability, and I would give him that shot before any documents are signed today. 

This could actually work out well, in my opinion.  Johnson could be a great addition and have the kind of impact that Benson, Dhani Jones, Tank Johnson and Roy Williams have had here. 

Just please heed these words, Bengals.  Talk to Larry Johnson long and hard before anything is signed. 

Also, talk to Cedric Benson and let him know why Larry Johnson is here.

UPDATE: Remembering Cedric Benson's signing. There's a certain parallel that the reported soon-to-be Bengals running back Larry Johnson has with Cedric Benson's signing last year. Both players came with tons of baggage and both were released from their respective teams because of certain issues that plagued their character. Furthermore, there were reports of each player being a lockerroom distraction with their former team. However, that's where the parallel ends. With Benson, the Bengals were desperate for a rushing offense -- not, they were just desperate. And Benson's case has turned out to be the best possible scenario. No, better than that. With Johnson, the Bengals are far less desperate and have all praised the great lockerroom chemistry that's lead by a group of mature players.

But what was the feeling of the Benson signing when he was signed? We ran a poll when Benson signed and 59% liked the move, largely because the Bengals really had nothing to lose. The majority of comments were split.

UPDATE: Larry Johnson is confirmed for a visit, but no signing. Joe Reedy tweets that "Lewis says Johnson will visit. Marvin had a conversation with him last Thursday. Would be here as an insurance policy" Bengals.com tweets that "Lewis says it has no affect on benson scott or leonard and that if do sign him he d be inactive"

UPDATE: We have to emphasize that Johnson has NOT signed. No reports actually made that claim. The closest we came to an actual signing happening, is Adam Schefter's original tweet that says "ESPN's Michael Smith reporting that Larry Johnson is en route to Cincinnati, and barring a breakdown, is expected to sign with Bengals."

We're presuming that the visit will lead to a signing, provided Johnson impresses Lewis and owner Mike Brown enough to sign him -- which likely includes, at the very least, a physical and interview.

UPDATE: If Johnson signs, what of Cedric Benson? There's no reason in the world, not even with 2012 approaching, to believe that Benson's overall participation would be reduced. And if it was, there'd be an outrage. And I'd be front and center on that. However, that concern is completely unwarranted. Bengals tweet today that Marvin Lewis said he spoke with Benson and "assured him his role won't change."

UPDATE: Jake weighs in.

What. The. Hell? I mean, we've had a great character team this year, and this is the signing we make? I understand that Cedric Benson is hurt, but Larry Johnson simply has no longer been a successful back in the NFL. He's averaged under 3 yards per carry. I know the Chiefs are bad, but does this move really make sense? Only if he's humbled by his recent experience and shows a dedication to winning. I don't like this move, but I guess it's OK if Johnson is signing for the league minimum, with no incentives. He's had a good career, and if he can resurrect that talent in Cincinnati, we'll have quite the 2(4)-headed monster. Where does this leave Scott and 3rd-down-assassin Leonard?

UPDATE: Chris weighs in. "I don't think I've been this opposed to something. Ever." It's unknown if Chris' love for Infinity Ward has been replaced.

UPDATE: Bernard Scott is cautious about Johnson joining Cincinnati. "I think it'd be fine," Scott said. "We're winning, we're happy. Personally, I don't know him, so I don't want to say anything."

UPDATE:  Bengals reportedly have decided to sign Johnson.  Are working on a deal.  Per Jay Glazer.

If you read into Maurice Purify's quotes, the guy is itching to join the 53-man roster. He feels that he's ready and Carson Palmer has shown confidence in the young receiver from Nebraska. Purify signed with the Bengals on May 8, 2008 and joined the team's practice squad when the season started. He's been on the Bengals' practice squad ever since, which allowed him to continue learning the system, get work with the veteran wide receivers and quarterback Carson Palmer.

Purify said earlier this week, “I’ve been waiting for it for two years. I think I was game ready since Week 1 or Week 2. It’s about time I get a chance, if I get the chance. I’m still in a situation that a lot of people want to be in.”

The only game situations that Purify has played in was two years worth of preseason, where he caught seven passes for 71 yards receiving in all eight preseason games.

So is Purify coming up? Bengals.com writes that the "Bengals are expected to make a roster move after Friday morning's practice and the assumption is that they'll sign wide receiver Maurice Purify from the practice squad."

If Purify signs to the 53-man roster, then the Bengals will have to free up a spot, either by putting someone on Injured Reserve, or releasing them outright.

When the Bengals put Chris Henry on Injured Reserve, there was some speculation on what the team could do, which largely depended on what they wanted to do at wide receiver. Do they find a replacement? Do they restock the position after Andre Caldwell? Instead, they re-signed utility offensive lineman Scott Kooistra, giving the Bengals a full 53-man roster. Kooistra is expected to earn $620,000 in 2009.

However, with Henry out for the year, the Bengals felt there was enough of a shortage at the position that they signed former seventh round draft pick Freddie Brown to the practice squad. To make room, they released rookie tackle Gerald Cadogan. Here's a listing of the team's wide receivers under contract and not on IR (like Henry and Antonio Chatman):

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

3 months ago: Carolina Panthers' Gerald Cadogan, left, chases New York Giants Tommie Hill as Hill scores a touchdown as time runs out in an NFL football preseason game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 17, 2009. The Giants won 24-17. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed fullback Chris Pressley off the Bengals practice squad on October 28, it not only crushed our anticipation that the Bengals were grooming their next big-impact fullback to eventually replace Jeremi Johnson, but it also opened up a roster spot. There was some speculation that the Bengals could demote a player from the 53-man roster and sign him back to the practice squad. However, players that are generally eligible for the practice squad haven't put in their full four years of service, so they'd first have to go through waivers. And if any team during the waiver process ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals claimed that player, he'd be gone and couldn't sign on the practice squad. Since the Bengals didn't go that route, all of what I said is pretty much irrelevant.

However, with Pressley's departure last week, the team had an open practice squad spot.

During a day in which Fui Vakapuna, a rookie who hasn't played a regular season down in his young NFL career, took the headlines and generated the most discussion, the Bengals also filled their open spot on the practice squad signing Gerald Cadogan on Tuesday. Cadogan was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Carolina Panthers after the NFL draft. The Panthers waived him on August 31.

Cadogan, Penn State's offensive tackle who was named first team All-Big Ten in 2008, was projected as a third-round pick by NFL Draft Scout, NFL Draft Bible, and Sports Illustrated. ESPN ranked him as the 11th best offensive tackle (Insider) coming into the league during the 2009 NFL Draft. Cadogan, who stands six-foot-five and weighs approximately 315 pounds, started all 26 games as the Nittany Lions' left tackle. His academic achievements are just as impressive, winning Academic All-Big Ten three straight seasons and Academic All-American twice.

What's even more impressive is that we were able to write so much about a practice squad addition.

While the Bengals weren't happy enough to keep Fui Vakapuna on the team's 53-man roster in early September, they've signed him to the team's 53-man roster on Tuesday. However, that's yet to be announced as of this post, but his agent confirmed nonetheless. That left the Bengals with 54 guys on the roster, which is, you know, bad. To make room, the Bengals elected to terminated "the contract of long-time backup offensive lineman Scott Kooistra."

Here's where I think signing Fui Vakapuna makes sense.

Vakapuna brings you versatility. With Bernard Scott and Jeremi Johnson coming off injuries, the Bengals are in optimistic flux. If Jeremi Johnson can't go, throw Vakapuna in there. If Bernard Scott can't go, then Brian Leonard probably goes. But Vakapuna could be a second backup running back. If Bernard Scott and Jeremi Johnson can't go, wham. You have Vakapuna, who could play both spots. Not at the same time, of course. Someone like that would be drafted at least in the third round.

Along with being able to play fullback, Vakapuna is also an accomplished running back, scoring 18 touchdowns (14 on the ground) in four seasons (42 games) with the BYU Cougars. He averaged 4.7 yards-per-rush in his collegiate career. For the sake of a pointless (now) argument, Chris Pressley was a nasty fullback, and if we're looking to have a backup fullback in the category of "oh boy, Johnson is hurt", then Pressley is obviously your guy... if he wasn't already with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But Pressley carried the football 25 times in his career at Wisconsin and scored one touchdown. If the Bengals were in desperate need of a running back (ala against Chicago Bears), Pressley doesn't give you much. Vakapuna gives you more.

I would go so far as to say that even if Pressley were with the Bengals practice squad, Fui Vakapuna is still signed with the Bengals. If Marvin Lewis likes anything (besides busted garage gates at five in the morning), he loves versatility with his players. And since Vakapuna brings that by being able to play fullback and running back, it makes sense to have one guy to fill in both roles while guys work on recoverable injuries.