Larry Johnson Not Going to Washington

In the days since his release, speculation has been rampant as to where former Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson would eventually end up. Almost immediately, the Washington Redskins were a hot rumor. The shoe fit because Dan Snyder likes signing big names -- even if they are washed up has-beens -- and starting running back Clinton Portis recently went down with a concussion.

Wednesday, though, head coach Jim Zorn ruled out the possibility of the 'Skins bringing in the maligned veteran from Penn State.

Considering this is a guy who once cried because Dick Vermeil yelled at him, you have to wonder about Johnson's psyche about now. Remember, Tuesday he cleared through waivers as not one single team placed a claim on him. Of course, as with everything else that's ever "happened to" Johnson, I'm sure it's not his fault. Nothing ever is.

It's entirely possible this could be a Cedric Benson-like wake-up call for Johnson, but the circumstances are much different. Johnson turns 30 a week from Thursday, which is over the hill for running backs (just ask LaDainian Tomlinson). Benson is much younger and had never carried a full load for an entire season. Johnson had an outrageous 416-carry campaign back in 2006, which seems to have worn his body down for good (he's been either injured or unproductive since).

Someone is bound, eventually, to take a shot at the disgruntled back -- who had back-to-back 1,700-yard rushing seasons in 2005-2006 -- but it's not going to be the Redskins. They appear content to use Ladell Betts in place of Portis for the next week or two until CP26 returns.