Professor

The Cincinnati Post - Rudi could return to lineup

Running back Rudi Johnson could play Sunday at Kansas City. It's not a definite yes, but after practicing for the first time since injuring a hamstring at Seattle on Sept. 23 Johnson could get the clearance to return to the lineup against the Chiefs.

Head coach Marvin Lewis said on Friday that Johnson was healthy but that whether or not he plays or how much he plays won't be decided until Sunday.

Johnson leads the Bengals with 177 yards on 58 carries this season. He has one 100-yard game this season, gaining 118 yards at Cleveland, but was held to just nine yards on 17 carries against the Seahawks before leaving the game in the third quarter. Kenny Watson took over for him, gaining 60 yards and scoring one touchdown on nine carries. Watson had 55 yards on 13 carries against New England on Oct. 1, the Bengals' last game before having a bye last week.

Johnson is third on the team's all-time rushing list with 5,422 yards, trailing Corey Dillon (8,061) and James Brooks (6,447). He has been tight-lipped all week, declining to be interviewed whenever asked.

The Bengals are 26th in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 83.3 yards per game. They have not finished a season averaging fewer than 100 yards per game since 1995 when they averaged 89.9 yards per game. Watson's touchdown at Seattle is the only rushing score the Bengals have all season. Johnson has 45 career rushing touchdowns, but his only touchdown of the season came at Cleveland when he took a swing pass from quarterback Carson Palmer and went 13 yards into the end zone for his first career touchdown reception.

__________________