By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Sunday's game

CLEVELAND - The Bengals knew there was a chance Corey Dillon might not be able to play much Sunday. Rudi Johnson was ready in relief.

The Bengals backup running back replaced an injured Dillon and turned in a career day against the Browns.

"He handled his own," said Dillon, who was limited to four carries because of a groin injury. "When he's in there, that's what he's supposed to do. Rudi did an excellent job."

Johnson, who did not play in any of the Bengals first three games this season, led Cincinnati with 15 carries for 51 yards, and also caught four passes for 11 yards.

"We've been preparing all week just in case Corey wasn't able to go," Johnson said. "I had to step in there and pick up where he left off."

Johnson had never rushed more than five times or for more than 25 yards in any of his previous nine NFL games.

Johnson played in two games during the 2001 season and carried 17 times for 67 yards in seven games last season.

"I know my role," Johnson said. "It's just a matter of me stepping in and helping the team win."

And with Dillon sidelined in the second half, the Bengals turned primarily to Johnson for the rest of the game.

He was involved in five plays on Cincinnati's first drive of the third quarter, which resulted in a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Reggie Kelly.

On their second drive of the fourth quarter, the Bengals called Johnson's name seven times.

Cincinnati began that drive on its own 11-yard line.

Johnson rushed for 11 yards on the first play to give the Bengals offense some breathing room.

"They say when you're backed up you want to try and get the ball away from the goal line," Johnson said. "The offensive line fired off, and I was able to make a play."

Dillon's groin injury makes it likely that Johnson will see even more action in the team's game next week at Buffalo.

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