By Ryan Van Bibber

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Sep 27, 2011 – The Cincinnati Bengals hosted a pair of once-notable running backs today. Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson both paid a visit to the Bengals for a workout. Cincinnati is looking for a option to replace Cedric Benson in light of a pending three-game suspension for an offseason assault charge. 

According to Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network, Portis “ran well” in a workout for the Titans last week. He averaged a respectable 4.2 yards per carry on 54 rushing attempts with Washington last season, before landing on injured reserve with a groin injury. Besides Cincinnati and Tennessee, Portis also had a workout with Seattle prior to the start of the season. 

Larry Johnson played for Cincinnati before, filling in for an injured Cedric Benson in 2009. Washington signed Johnson to a three-year contract in 2010, but released him before the end of September that same year. He was signed and subsequently released by the Dolphins this year. Johnson has never played a full season since his NFL-record 416 rushing attempts with Kansas City in 2006.

Read More: Clinton Portis (RB – WAS), Larry Johnson (RB – MIA), Cedric Benson (RB – CIN), Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals

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The Cincinnati Bengals’ Cedric Benson began serving a jail sentence in Texas for a 2010 assault after surrendering himself to authorities, his attorney said. UPI/David Richard 

CINCINNATI, Aug. 31 (UPI) — The Cincinnati Bengals’ Cedric Benson began serving a jail sentence in Texas for a 2010 assault after surrendering himself to authorities, his attorney said.

Benson was booked into the Travis County Jail Tuesday morning after pleading no contest Monday to assault . He was sentenced to a 20 days in a plea bargain, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

With credit for good behavior, the Bengals running back would serve seven days, attorneys said.

That means he could rejoin the team Sept. 7 in preparation for the Sept. 11 season opener at Cleveland.

“Ced, I’m sure, is relieved this is behind him and just moves forward,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said.

Benson’s attorney Sam Basset released a statement on his client’s behalf.

“Though originally scheduled to serve the jail sentence in October, Cedric decided he needs to complete the jail sentence before the season. This is best for everyone involved.

“Mr. Benson is thankful for his supporters in Austin and Cincinnati. He is also grateful to the Bengals organization. Cedric looks forward to working hard on and off the field as soon as he is released,” the statement said.