Running back Larry Johnson has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as a backup, giving the AFC North leaders depth at the position for what's shaping up to be a playoff season.

The Bengals waived defensive tackle Orien Harris on Tuesday to open a roster spot for Johnson, who will be fourth on the depth chart at the outset.

The move comes eight days after the Kansas City Chiefs let him go as he was set to return from his second suspension in the last 12 months. The Bengals have one of the NFL's leading rushers this season in Cedric Benson, but he has a strained hip muscle.