First they release their leading running back, and now the scruffy Kansas City Chiefs have said so long to their top wide receiver.

How much can a 2-7 team take?

The release of the disruptive Larry Johnson may have amounted to addition by subtraction for the Chiefs. Backup Jamaal Charles was more than adequate in a victory over Oakland last week in his first start, running for 103 yards and KC's first rushing touchdown of the year.

Losing wide receiver Dwayne Bowe for the next four weeks may be another matter. When the NFL suspended him for violating the league policy on performance-enhancing drugs, Bowe was leading the team with 33 catches for 466 yards and four TDs.