Chiefs suspend Larry Johnson for two weeks

•The league also could suspend Johnson for anywhere from one game to the remainder of the season. If Johnson were suspended, he wouldn’t receive the prorated portion of his yearly salary for those weeks.

•The Chiefs could release Johnson, but not only would they have to pay Johnson the remainder of his 2009 salary — his 2010 salary does not become guaranteed until he makes the opening-week roster next season — but he would be free to sign this season with another team.

For now, the Chiefs are left with three young running backs — in addition to Charles and Smith, second-year rusher Dantrell Savage also is an option — with questions surrounding them as well.

Savage has worked primarily this season as a kick returner. Smith, who spent the first six weeks on the physically-unable-to-perform list, said he trusts his knee enough to return and take on upward of 20 carries per game. He’s in the second week of a three-week window the Chiefs can observe his progress and gauge his health. The Chiefs have this week and next to decide whether to activate Smith, release him or place him on injured reserve. Smith said he hopes that coaches see that he’s ready.

Charles doesn’t hurt for confidence, either, saying he’s ready to be the Chiefs’ featured rusher.

“I want the ball. I want to make plays,” said Charles, a second-year player who has shown flashes of immense talent but also a habit of fumbling. “People see it, too: I’m a winner. I make stuff happen.

“Put me in. Give me some plays where I can help the team out. When I get the torch in my hand, I’m going to help my team out as much as possible.”

The Chiefs could use that kind of enthusiasm and optimism, particularly on a 1-6 team that has yet to score a rushing touchdown this season. The St. Louis Rams are the only other team without a rushing score.

Haley said his coaching staff is spending its extra time this week installing what the Chiefs hope is a more effective offense. That could mean more emphasis on Charles and, if he’s healthy, Smith.

Regardless, it’ll likely include less emphasis on Johnson. That’ll be an adjustment for the Chiefs, as Johnson has taken 132 of the Chiefs’ 204 carries this season. Haley said he’s glad the team has a bye this week.

“Much needed,” Haley said. “It couldn’t come at a better time for us.”

The Chiefs have options and time. Now they’ll have to adjust, for two weeks and perhaps more, to an offense that doesn’t include Larry Johnson.

To reach Kent Babb, call 816-234-4386, send e-mail to kbabb@kcstar.com, or follow him at twitter.com/kb_kcstar

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