ESPN Sportscenter is reporting Former Bengals RB Rudi Johnson has signed with The Lions. Tatum Bell was supposedly dropped to make room.

This could upset some fantasy applecarts here.

If you mean Rudi owners, I agree. If you mean K. Smith owners..I disagree. They want Depth, not a replacement.

still will cut into smith's carries and possibly make rudi a goal line back. we will have to wait and see. I dont really understand the move by cincy to begin with seeing as perry is injury prone.

Rudi has a chance to take this job early in the season, if he is healthy. He fits the mold of what Marinelli wants to try to do. The line is pretty poor though, and that will make it tough for any back to produce regularly there. Will Shanny take another peak at Bell?

Rudi will get a few carries as any backup would, but he's not a special talent that can't be kept off the field. Sounds like the coaches are happy with Smith's running and blocking (don't know about receiving).

Rudi was healthy, Romeo and the Bengals freed up cap space. They are content with Perry and Watson. The Lions are confident in the kid and decided to grab a goal line back. This may hurt his TD levels but on the other hand he may get more receptions as a Bush type back in 3rd down situations with more play action in this new power run off. that Marinelli wants.

ummmmm...you mean Marvin right???

Rudi will be the starter by week 4 and get the majority of carries throughout the season. You heard it here first.

Do you think this because Kevin Smith is not up for the job or that Rudi is that good that he will win the starting job? If Rudi was that good why would cincy just cut him and get nothing back for him?

Really need to see what Kevin Smith does during the regular season, but if Rudi is 100% healthy and committed, the Lions would be crazy to keep him off the field.

Full blown RBBC if Rudi is the old Rudi. If Rudi is the guy we have watched recently, then he won't cut much into Smith's carries, providing Smith can perform during the regular season.

I have to agree with this myself. Probably a full blown RBBC. with both backs doing well in a much improved Lion rushing attack.

I see this helping Megatron's numbers a good bit.

This year.

For whom the FA RB Bell Tolls

Mike, Ding......Tatum, Dong

I don't see it. First, I don't think Rudi is the Rudi of old. Had he been, he would still be in cincy. That being said, I have heard no negatives on K.Smith. Plus Rudi isn't a good receiver...

My guess is Rudi is only goal line and short yardage.

Last week there was a news clip from Marinelli that stated, even though they wanted to institute the run first, power running game in detroit, he realized that currently that option didn't exist. It mentioned that he realized his best option was the pass game, but that they could not and would not abandon the run. Now they might not have to. IF Rudi is healthy, he could really put this team in better positioncome about week 4. It all comes down to health, but I too believe he will be the main ball carrier before mid season.


This isn't it but i will keep looking.

The Detroit Lions are not considering trading either WR Mike Furrey or WR Shaun McDonald, both former OC Mike Martz favorites and the team's two leading receivers the past two seasons, to the 49ers. The Lions like their wide receiver depth, and even though they won't be using as many four- and five-wide receiver sets, they are expected to keep what they have at the position, recognizing it as the team's obvious strength.
NFL.com reports Detroit Lions third round draft pick RB Kevin Smith (10-45, 1 TD) was very impressive in his third preseason game today against the Browns. He had a nifty 35-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and demonstrated a rare quality for a rookie rusher -- the ability to pick up the blitz in pass protection. On the negative side, Smith's other 9 runs went for just 10 yards.

Also WR Mike Furrey= Kickoff returner WR Shaun McDonald= Punt returner

Combination of the two. Smith will be decent, but he's not spectacular IMO, nothing that will defiantly keep Rudi off the field. Rudi now has his kick in the ass and with a 1 year deal he's now playing for a contract much like Jamal Lewis was last year. As far as why Cincy just cut him, they tried to trade him, but the dumb shits showed all their cards yet again....if you knew you could sign him for nothing a week later, would you trade for him?

Only way this happens is if Smith gets hurt and Rudi doesn't.

I disagree. They would not have made all these moves if it was not the intention for Rudi to guide this running game, in my opinion. They want a power running game, and Rudi gives them a chance to acheive that. A new link for consideration.

ESPN - Johnson to become student of Lions' playbook after signing deal - NFL

He's always been a hard worker. No doubts there. Who wouldn't start studying the playbook of a new team?

Is there tread left on the tires? Many doubts there, although I hear he created quite a buzz in the Lions' locker room after his workout.

2.9 ypc last year makes me think he is washed up.

What do you mean by "all these moves"? They picked up a free agent RB so they could dump a very unproductive Tatum Bell.