The Detroit Lions improved their backfield situation by signing former Bengal Rudi Johnson to a one-year contract. Tatum Bell is expected to be released.

After practice on Monday, Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said, “I just had a chance to watch him in some drills (during a workout) and he’s impressive. He’s a big, thick guy who has great feet. I played against him over the years so I know he’s a very physical back. He’s a guy with a lot of talent and a lot of experience.”

I can’t believe the Cincinnati Bengals let Johnson go without getting anything in return. He had a bad hamstring last year and again this year in training camp, but he came to camp in shape and he’s a proven back. Frankly, it looks like the Bengals are returning to their penny-pinching ways. Mike Brown is proving once again that he’s one of the worst owners in professional sports.

From a fantasy football perspective, anyone who drafted Kevin Smith has to be a little disappointed, as Rudi Johnson might steal plenty of carries as the year goes on.