Johnson rejoins Dolphins; Thomas day to day with injury

DAVIE, Fla. -- Two-time Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson has become a bottom-of-the-roster player struggling to prolong his NFL career, which he did Thursday by re-signing with the Miami Dolphins.

The move came five days after the Dolphins cut Johnson.

The team needed a reinforcement because rookie running back Daniel Thomas hurt his hamstring Wednesday and sat out practice Thursday. He is day to day, coach Tony Sparano said.

Johnson originally joined the Dolphins on Aug. 23 and scored on a 22-yard run in their final preseason game -- his first TD since 2008 with the Kansas City Chiefs. He sat out most of last season after his career was derailed by a series of off-the-field missteps.

Johnson practiced Thursday and said he was glad to have another shot at a comeback.

"I could have easily said I'm going to retire as a Chief," he said. "You knew coming back it was going to be a roller-coaster ride, and you expect that. You roll with the punches.

"I love playing, and it's always going to be in me. I haven't lost that fire yet to be under the lights and to compete to be the best."

Johnson might be under the lights as a backup to Reggie Bush on Monday, when the Dolphinsopen their season against the New England Patriots.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press