A day after coach Marvin Lewis referred to Johnson as an insurance policy in case of injury, he said it’s possible he could play some Sunday at Oakland if starter Cedric Benson is still limited by a strained hip.
Brown ruled out
Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will miss tomorrow night’s game at Carolina because of an injured right foot, and his status for the rest of the regular season is uncertain.
The Dolphins’ leader rusher was to see a specialist for further evaluation, coach Tony Sparano said. Brown was hurt in Sunday’s win over Tampa Bay.
Ricky Williams will replace Brown and start for the first time this season. He’ll also become the primary triggerman if the Dolphins run the Wildcat formation.
Bowe suspended
Chiefs third-year wide receiver Dwayne Bowe was suspended without pay for four games for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing substances . . . Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will visit two concussion specialists in Pittsburgh today. Westbrook sustained his second concussion in three weeks during Philadelphia’s 31-23 loss at San Diego Sunday . . . The Ravens cut kicker Steve Hauschka, who missed a 36-yard field goal and had a conversion blocked Monday night . . . Former Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards, now a member of the Jets, pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge after he was accused of punching a man outside a downtown Cleveland nightclub last month.
Good news for Steelers
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated the team may not be without injured safety Troy Polamalu for more than one game. Polamalu hasn’t been ruled out of Sunday’s game at Kansas City despite injuring his left knee for the second time this season Sunday against the Bengals. However, it seems more likely he will miss one game and then return for a game at Baltimore Nov. 29 . . . Reality television star Tila Tequila filed a lawsuit in San Diego against Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman alleging domestic violence.
