Most of the Cincinnati Bengals were unruffled Wednesday by the signing of troubled running back Larry Johnson, who was brought in Tuesday for the rest of the season in what has been described as a reserve role.
The most telling reaction, though, came from the player who might be affected most. Running back Cedric Benson, who suffered strained hip muscles Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers and hasn't practiced this week, didn't have much to say. Told that he didn't appear to be thrilled with the move, Benson smiled.
''Oh, I didn't know I was supposed to be jumping out of my seat or anything,'' said Benson, who ranks sixth in the league with 859 yards rushing. ''I really have no feelings about it. They made a move they felt they needed to do, and that's fine with me. ... It's not going to affect me in any kind of way.''