Larry Johnson cut by Washington Redskins
Larry Johnson has been released by the Washington Redskins after a slow start to the season. Johnson had rushed for just five yards in two games, and was cut by the team to free up a roster spot.
"We appreciate Larry's attitude and contributions to the Redskins," executive vice president/general manager Bruce Allen said in a statement released by the team. "However, we needed to make a roster move
in preparation for this week's game against the Rams."
The Redskins cut Johnson to make room for Chad Simpson, a third-year running back who, unlike Johnson, can play on special teams.
A league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that there is a possibility of Johnson being re-signed in the near future, but that he was viewed as a luxury the Redskins couldn't afford against
the Rams next week.
The move comes two days after Johnson made a critical mistake in an overtime loss to the Houston Texans. Johnson lost 10 yards trying to make a big play. The play forced the Redskins into a passing situation
when they would have preferred to run down the clock with a 10-point lead.
Johnson had signed a three-year contract in March.
"I'm very upset, didn't see this coming," Johnson said in a statement released through his agent Tuesday. "But most importantly, this is where I wanted to end my career, a place where I was born and raised
most of my life. ... So all my eggs were in this basket."
Johnson's carreer has been a steady downward spiral since his halycon days in Kansas City. In 2005 and 2006 Johnson rushed for back-to-back 1750 yard seasons for the Chiefs. Johnson finished last season
with the Cincinatti Bengals after his time in Kansas City ended last November after a slew of off-the-field problems.
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