Larry Johnson, RB KC
News: In an interview with CBSSports.com, Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey discussed how he plans on using RB Larry Johnson this season. While it's not breaking news that he plans on using him early and often as part of the running game, Gailey did say that he expects to relieve Johnson of his duties on third downs. "We've had a good deal of success before with letting the running back be the first- and second-down back and taking the protection and hits off of a guy on third down," Gailey said of Johnson. "I think he'll be a 20- to 30-carry per game guy."
Analysis: Gailey didn't name a third-down running back that would replace Johnson, but he was complementary of rookie Jamaal Charles, who we think has the inside track since second-year RB Kolby Smith is hurt. Gailey also compared Johnson's expected workload this year to Jerome Bettis' when Gailey was with Pittsburgh (1996-97), and Bettis had well over 300 carries and lots of touchdowns. Johnson has already played in preseason games and looked good, as has his O-line.