Cedric Benson: Pending Suspension Is Beginning of End for Benson's NFL Career

Dating back to his time with the Chicago Bears, current Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson has been a headache-inducing figure for the NFL. After two altercations this offseason and a short stint in jail, the NFL is finally taking disciplinary action by suspending Benson for three games, according to ESPN.com.

Although Benson is appealing the suspension, he is tentatively scheduled to miss Weeks 4 through 6. This suspension has been a long time coming for Benson as he has been at the center of controversy during his entire NFL tenure.

Benson's temporary ban will allow Cincinnati's backup running back Bernard Scott to receive a full workload for a few weeks. Scott doesn't have the same pedigree as Benson, but he has far less tread on his tires and is a much more explosive back than Benson.

While Benson got off to a hot start this season, he showed signs of breaking down last year. While he was able to gain over 1,100 yards, Benson averaged an abysmal 3.5 yards per carry and did little more than dive into the middle of the line.

Scott's presence will give the Cincinnati offense a different dynamic and his exciting style of play will lend itself well to the Bengals youthful squad. Provided Scott plays well, it is quite possible that he will wrest the job away from Benson for the remainder of the season and even beyond that.

The Bengals essentially settled on bringing Benson back into the fold during the offseason when they couldn't find a more suitable option. Playing on just a one-year deal, the Bengals will have no reservations in supplanting Benson as the starter if they're so inclined.

Moving on from Benson will also be a step in repairing the image of the franchise. The Bengals have gained a reputation, a fair reputation in fact, of bringing in players who get in trouble with the law. It would be in the team's best interest to remove itself from those types of players, and Benson is undoubtedly one of them.

It's possible that some team will take a chance on Benson this offseason, but the fact is that Benson is starting to lose his effectiveness as a player and his off-field issues make him far too risky to commit to. Provided this suspension is upheld, Benson's days as an NFL running could certainly be numbered.