CINCINNATI — Running back Larry Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in a backup role Tuesday, giving the AFC North leaders depth at the position for the rest of the season.

The Bengals waived defensive tackle Orien Harris to open a roster spot for Johnson, who will be fourth on the depth chart at the outset.
The move comes eight days after the Kansas City Chiefs let him go as he was set to return from his second suspension in the last 12 months. The Bengals have one of the NFL’s leading rushers this season in Cedric Benson, but he has a strained hip muscle.
Coach Marvin Lewis first spoke with Johnson last Thursday and told him he would be last on the depth chart. He said he told Johnson he essentially will be an insurance policy in case Benson or one of the other running backs got hurt during what’s shaping up as a playoff season.
Benson had to leave an 18-12 win in Pittsburgh on Sunday with a hip injury. The Bengals (7-2) think he could play Sunday in Oakland.
Johnson is moving into a low-profile role. Lewis plans to use him on the scout team in practice, where he would pretend he’s the other team’s running back. Lewis doesn’t expect him to be active for any games soon.
Johnson turns 30 on Thursday, and his production has declined in recent years. The Chiefs let him go following several controversies, releasing him last week on the day he was due back from his second suspension in the last 12 months.
He found a second chance in Cincinnati, which has a history of providing them for troubled players. Owner Mike Brown has referred to himself as a “redeemer.” He brought Chris Henry back to the team before the 2008 season — over Lewis’ disagreement — and the receiver has stayed out of trouble since then. Henry is out for the rest of the season with a broken left arm.
When injuries decimated their group of running backs last season, the Bengals signed Benson to a one-year deal despite his off-field problems. He had two alcohol-related arrests in Texas. The cases were dropped when grand juries declined to indict, and the Bengals offered a deal.
Benson has revitalized his career in Cincinnati — he ranks sixth in the league in rushing with 859 yards and leads the NFL with 205 carries, only nine shy of his career high with roughly half a season to go. His backup, Bernard Scott, is a rookie chosen in the sixth round from Abilene Christian.
Lewis has assured Benson he will be the top running back with Johnson in town. During an interview Tuesday with Sirius XM Radio, Benson sounded open to it.
“Yeah, I mean, well, you know, it’s good for him,” Benson said. “I was once in that position, and he’s getting his opportunity again. In all aspects we definitely plan on it to be a contribution to the team. If he can help the team in a positive way, then I’m all for that.”
Johnson was benched for three games in 2008 by former Chiefs coach Herm Edwards for violating team rules. The NFL added a game for violating its player conduct policy. He later was sentenced to two years’ probation after pleading guilty to disturbing the peace at a Kansas City night spot.
Three weeks ago, he posted a gay slur on his Twitter account and questioned the competence of coach Todd Haley, drawing a two-week suspension. The Chiefs decided to cut ties with him rather than let him return.