Source: RB Larry Johnson To Sign With Bengals

4:58 p.m. UPDATE:

By JOE KAY
AP Sports Writer

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Running back Larry Johnson is expected to visit the Bengals, who are interested in signing him as a backup only.

Coach Marvin Lewis says Johnson would be fourth on the team's depth chart at running back if he decides to try to revive his troubled career in Cincinnati. Kansas City released him a week ago, on the day he was due back following his second suspension in the last year.

Cedric Benson couldn't finish an 18-12 win in Pittsburgh on Sunday because of a strained hip muscle. Lewis, speaking Monday, says Benson might be available to play next week in Oakland. But Lewis says the interest in Johnson isn't related to Benson's injury.

2:15 p.m. UPDATE:

According to the Official Bengals Twitter Feed, CinBengalsNFL:

"Lewis says Benson could play this week but will be cautious."

"Bengals have talked to Larry Johnson and he will visit".

"But Lewis says if he signs it would be only as a fourth back for insurance."

"Lewis says it has no affect on Benson Scott or Leonard and that if they do sign him he'd be inactive."

"Lewis says he has talked to Benson and assured him his role won't change."

Original Story: Nov. 16, 1:36 p.m.

CINCINNATI -- Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson is about to be a Cincinnati Bengal, according to ESPN.com.

ESPN's Michael Smith is reporting that Johnson is en route to Cincinnati barring a last minute breakdown of contract talks.

The Bengals are one of several teams that expressed interest in Johnson, according to multiple sources.

Cincinnati was looking for depth behind Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in Sunday's 18-12 win at Pittsburgh.

Johnson, the Chiefs second leading rusher all time, was released by Kansas City last week. He has been suspended several times in his career for multiple run ins with controversy. His most recent run in with trouble came two weeks ago when he posted gay slurs and questioned the competence of Kansas City's head coach Todd Haley.

The Bengals are currently 7-2 and atop the AFC North. They travel to Oakland this week. If Johnson signs and learns the offense, look for him to see the field against the Raiders, especially if Benson's hip injury is worse than expected.

9News and WCPO.com will update this story when we have more information.