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Rudi Johnson pressing in Detroit

The fact that RB Rudi Johnson was coming off an injury coupled with his limited time in Detroit’s playbook marked the primary reasons he received such limited playing time last week. RB Kevin Smith will remain the starter, but Johnson could see more playing time this week considering additional practice time.

It is definitely a unique situation for running back Rudi Johnson to be in.

After beginning training camp and spending the preseason with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson is in Detroit as the only non-rookie in the Lions’ offensive backfield.

The eighth-year veteran joined rookie tailbacks Kevin Smith, a third-round draft choice, and Marcus Thomas, who Detroit acquired off waivers from San Diego, and rookie fullback Jerome Felton, a fifth-round draft choice.

“It’s crazy,” said Johnson with a smile. “I mean, I’ve been one of the older guys in Cincy for a long time, but to come here, with all rookies – that’s definitely something different. It’s a different situation – knowing all these guys are in their first year of playing football.

“I catch myself laughing sometimes just in the room of those guys because all of them are so young. It’s just funny.”

Johnson inked a one-year deal with Detroit on September 2 – a week ago Tuesday – and was in his playbook before he even signed his name.

He was familiar with the team’s zone running scheme from his collegiate days at Auburn and a variation of it while with the Bengals. On Sunday at Atlanta, he got in the game for three carries for 14 yards, that included a break-out run of 12 yards.