CINCINNATI (AP) - Looking to add depth at running back, the Cincinnati Bengals acquired Brian Leonard in a trade with the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.
The Rams got reserve defensive tackle Orien Harris in the deal.
Leonard was the Rams' second-round draft pick in 2007. He played in 16 games with seven starts as a rookie, rushing for 303 yards and catching 30 passes for 183 yards. Last season, Leonard played in only two of the Rams' first five games due to a shoulder injury, then spent the rest of the season on injured reserve.
The Rams used him as a fullback at times, but the Bengals will give him a chance to carry the ball and show what he can do in third down situations. Cincinnati gave Cedric Benson a new contract after the season to stay as the team's top running back.
"I know it's a great opportunity for me to come in there and be used as a third down back," Leonard said. "I think they want to use me as a running back, so I'm looking forward to that. I still have a lot of skills, catching the ball out of the backfield and running with it."
The Bengals claimed Harris on waivers from New Orleans in August. He started one game at tackle last season and appeared in 13 others.
