The Bengals signed Johnson two weeks ago after Kansas City decided to release him as he was ready to return from a suspension. Lewis called him an insurance policy in case another running back got hurt. With Benson out and Scott hurting his foot, Johnson ended up playing a lot more than he expected.

The game plan was so conservative on Sunday that fans at Paul Brown Stadium occasionally booed.

"Sometimes people are spoiled as far as they don’t see the 80-yard passes or the 90-yard runs like they’re used to," Johnson said. "But this is the (AFC North) division; this is what it is. These are the divisions that go to the Super Bowl, the ones that can grind it out."

Now, Lewis has to figure out how to divvy it up.

Benson expects to regain his role as primary running back. Before he was hurt, Benson led the league in rushing attempts with 205 in nine games. When asked after the Browns game whether he has any idea how the running backs would share the role, Benson said, "I don’t know. That’s a weird question. I wasn’t aware I had to share time."

On Monday, Palmer said the players expect Benson to get most of the carries.

"Cedric’s the guy," Palmer said. "That’s not going to change, and Larry knew that coming in. Cedric is our running back."

Johnson doesn’t have a problem with moving back into a low-profile role.

"I just came here for a second chance," said Johnson, who is under contract through the end of the season. "I’ll just take everything in stride and move on. Whatever they want me to do, I just have to do it."