Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - The Detroit Lions have reportedly signed free agent running back Rudi Johnson to a one-year contract.
The Detroit Free Press indicated on Monday that Johnson will likely replace Tatum Bell as rookie running back Kevin Smith's backup.
The 5-foot-10, 225-pound Johnson has been bothered by hamstring problems that limited him to 11 games a season ago and cost him valuable preseason playing time before being released by the Bengals on Saturday.
Johnson, 28, was a fourth-round pick by Cincinnati in the 2001 draft. The 2004 Pro Bowler finished his Cincinnati career ranked third on the franchise list in rushing yards (5,742), behind only Corey Dillon and James Brooks, second in attempts (1,441) behind Dillon, and second in rushing touchdowns (48) behind Pete Johnson.
