CINCINNATI (AP) - Running back Cedric Benson signed today with
the Cincinnati Bengals -- who needed another runner and were
undeterred by two alcohol-related arrests in Texas that prompted
the Chicago Bears to let him go.
Benson will take the spot of running back DeDe Dorsey, who was
placed on injured reserve Tuesday after hurting his hamstring in a
20-12 loss to Cleveland. Chris Perry is Cincinnati's starting
running back.
Benson was Chicago's first-round pick in the 2005 draft out of
Texas. He started 12 games for the Bears from 2005-07, running for
1,593 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Benson was arrested in May on charges of boating while
intoxicated and resisting arrest, and again in June on a drunken
driving charge in Austin, Texas.
Two grand juries Texas declined to indict Benson.