As strange as it sounds, the timing isn't great for Larry Johnson now that the Kansas City Chiefs have released him. Normally, a talented 29-year-old running back would hit the market and be in big demand. That's not the case this year. Even though there are several teams with injury problems at the running back position, the troubled Johnson is probably going to find a slow market. First, no one is expected to pick up his contract on a waiver claim. While that makes him a bargain at less than $400,000 for the rest of the season, more teams will say no than yes. The Washington Redskins are indeed interested and make them the leading candidate with Clinton Portis expected to be out with a concussion. The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions might explore the idea of signing him, but odds aren't in his favor. The Chicago Bears have lost backup tailback Garrett Wolfe to a lacerated kidney. Still, they're more likely to say no to Johnson because they don't want to add more turmoil to their lockerroom. Plus, they have a short week: The Bears play on Thursday at the San Francisco 49ers. The Patriots have been down two backs -- Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor -- but there is a chance Morris could be available to return this week, which would make it unlikely Johnson would be added. Still, according to a source, a lot of teams are studying the idea of signing Johnson, which is a tribute to his talent.McAllister on the mend: Over the weekend, former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister got the word that his knee is finally 100 percent, according to a source, and he can start to work out and try to help a team in the second half of the season. McAlister has had several calls since the start of the season from teams, but he had a few setbacks on his recovery from years of knee problems. He opted to wait until the knee was right to start to look for a new home. That time is now. He's ready to start working for teams and taking physical. There was talk earlier in the season he was going to sign with the Oakland Raiders, but at that time, he wanted to take more time to make sure the knee was healed and he could play at a high level. McAlister was a three-time Pro Bowler for the Ravens.Bengals coping without Henry: On the paper, the Cincinnati Bengals' loss of wide receiver Chris Henry to a season-ending fractured forearm injury is huge. But it's not as bad as you might think. Henry is one of the game's most dangerous deep threats and is a big target in the red zone. But he was still the team's fourth wide receiver. In eight games, he had only been targeted 23 times -- roughly three times a game -- and he's caught 12 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns.The development of Andre Caldwell has been an important part of the three-receiver offense. Henry is a rare talent, but the Bengals -- believe it or not -- can survive without him. Colts tweaking protection: The Indianapolis Colts continue to tinker with their offensive line. Tackle Charlie Johnson has made everyone forget about Tony Ugoh, a former second-round pick who came to the Colts after they traded a first-rounder to the 49ers. Ugoh was inactive Sunday against the Houston Texans. David Pollak, a second-round pick last year, was replaced as a starter at right guard by Kyle DeVan.