Bengals running back Cedric Benson did not practice for a second straight day, meaning that it is unlikely he will play on Sunday at Oakland.

That means Larry Johnson's timetable for being somewhat comfortable with the playbook continues to be accelerated.

"It's a new offense and they have to get comfortable with trusting me to step in there," said Johnson, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Thursday. "The plays are the same handing off and right now the exchange has been pretty good between Carson and myself."

If there is one advantage to Johnson playing on Sunday, it's his familiarity with the Raiders. In 10 games against Oakland, he has rushed for 938 yards and 11 touchdowns, which is one fifth of his career TDs.

Several times a week, The Trenches will present team reports from Sporting News' 32 NFL correspondents.

Another troubled player trying to revive his career? Nothing new for Cincinnati. Most Bengals players were unruffled Wednesday by the signing of running back Larry Johnson, brought in for the rest of the season in what's been described as a reserve role to help the AFC North leaders should they have an injury.