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Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

Sports briefs: Nov. 18

NFL

Bills fire Jauron after 3-6 start

Dick Jauron was fired by the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, when the coach ran out of time to build a contender or come up with a way to fix an offense that sputtered even with the addition of Terrell Owens. Bills owner Ralph Wilson announced Jauron's dismissal, saying he made the decision "for the best interest of his team." The move came two days after the Bills (3-6) fell further out of contention following a 41-17 loss at Tennessee.

Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was named the Bills' interim head coach. Wilson credited Fewell for "demonstrating excellent leadership skills," while noting the players have plenty of "confidence in him."

Jauron leaves with a 24-33 record over three-plus seasons. He went 5-14 in his past 19.

"I really don't have anything to say," was all Jauron would say when reached on his cell phone by The Associated Press.

Johnson gets new start with Bengals

Larry Johnson might have his career up-and-running sooner than expected. The running back who was banished from Kansas City for bad behavior signed on for a backup role with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, giving the AFC North leaders depth for the rest of this season. He might not be watching for long.

A day after Coach Marvin Lewis referred to Johnson as an insurance policy in case of injury, he said it's possible the running back could play in some form Sunday in Oakland if starter Cedric Benson is still limited by a strained hip.

"I'm not saying that it can't happen, I'm not saying that it will happen, but stay tuned," Lewis said, with Johnson sitting by his side. "He'd like to play, I know that. And we'll see what happens as we go through the week, as I said earlier, regarding Cedric with his injury."

Johnson has his own goal for getting on the field: Dec. 27, when the Bengals play the Chiefs at Paul Brown Stadium. That could set up the second get-even game for a Bengals running back this season. Benson was carrying a grudge when he ran for a career-high 189 yards against his former Bears team on Oct. 25.

Johnson is toting one, too.

"I'd be lying if I said I ain't looking at that game as a game I want to definitely play in, but we take it a game at a time, one situation at a time," Johnson said. "I'm just trying to get on the field as of right now. If that happens, it'd be the best Christmas gift I can get."

The Bengals waived defensive tackle Orien Harris to open a roster spot for Johnson, who knew he'd be listed fourth on the depth chart to start.

"I have to work my way back up," Johnson said. "You have to earn your stripes, literally, in the situation I'm in."

The signing came eight days after the Chiefs let him go as he was set to return from his second suspension in the past 12 months. The Bengals are taking little financial risk by bringing Johnson in for the rest of the season — he could be released if he becomes a problem.

"He knows what's at stake and at risk," Lewis said. "He gets an opportunity to start anew, just like anyone would. He has paid a price for what's gone on, things he's said and done, and it came to a finality in Kansas City. And now it's a new start."

■ The Bengals released tight end Ben Utecht and receiver Antonio Chatman, both of whom were out for the season with injuries. Utecht suffered a major concussion during training camp at Georgetown College. Chatman suffered a severe ankle injury during practice and went on injured reserve on Sept. 5. The Bengals signed safety Brannon Condren to their practice squad.

Chiefs' Bowe gets 4-game suspension

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing substances. Bowe's agent, Todd France, said his client was guilty only of taking a weight-loss supplement. Neither the Chiefs nor the league would make further comment.

■ Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will miss Thursday night's game at Carolina because of an injured right foot, and his status for the rest of the regular season is uncertain. Ricky Williams will replace Brown and start for the first time this season.