The Miami Dolphins went to the scrap heap to bolster their running back rotation, signing free agent Larry Johnson to an unspecified deal on Tuesday.

The Dolphins were likely moved to bring in Johnson, a power runner, after the team struggled on first-and-goal running plays in Friday's preseason game against Carolina. In one first quarter sequence, Miami needed four tries (all rushes) to score on first-and-goal from the Carolina one-yard line.

But the question is whether Johnson can still contribute to an NFL team, something he will get a chance to prove over the final two preseason games.

Johnson was last seen gaining 2 yards on 5 carries before being cut by the Washington Redskins in 2010. In 2005 and 2006 there was no more productive running back in the NFL, as Johnson gained 1,750 and 1,789 yards, respectively, scoring 37 touchdowns over those two seasons.

But since then, he has practically fallen off the face of the earth. A foot injury in 2007 cut his season (and his streak of 1,700-yard seasons short).

A tumultuous relationship with new Chiefs coach Todd Haley led to his benching and a trade to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009. He rushed 46 times for 204 yards in seven games with the Bengals, then signed with the Redskins before the 2010 season.

The Dolphins waived running back Kory Sheets to make room for Johnson. Miami had formerly worked out soon-to-be un-retired Tiki Barber a few weeks ago, and worked out free agent (and former Hurricane) Clinton Portis today, according to the Miami Herald.

If Johnson does not work out, there are always more runners waiting on the free agent list.