Johnson, the club's leading receiver since 1999, had his starting job taken away by Davis, who was displeased with the five-year veteran's performance.

"This is not a knee-jerk reaction," Davis said in a statement. "We have been trying for almost three seasons to help Kevin perform to the level of expectations we have had for him. I am disappointed our staff has not been able to get him to accept the expectations we have of how the wide receiver position should be played."

Johnson leads the Browns this season with 381 yards on 41 catches. His best season was 2001, when he had 84 receptions, 1,097 yards and nine touchdowns.

Johnson has had a strained relationship with Davis, who tried to trade the receiver as early 2001, his first year as Cleveland's coach.

The 27-year-old Johnson got on the field for a handful of plays in Sunday's 41-20 loss at Kansas City. He had one catch, giving him 73 straight games with a reception.

Andre' Davis had three catches for 35 yards starting in Johnson's place.

"Kevin had a diminished role in our offense, and he was not happy with it," Butch Davis said. "We have a number of young, talented receivers in Quincy Morgan, Andre' Davis, Dennis Northcutt, Andre King, Frisman Jackson and C.J. Jones. As a result, we did not foresee Kevin's role expanding in the future.

"This will enable him to get a fresh start, and it will allow our young receivers to continue to develop and improve. We wish Kevin all the best."

Two weeks before he was benched, Johnson dropped a crucial pass on fourth down in a loss to San Diego.

Johnson said last week he disagreed with Davis' decision to bench him, but respected it.

"I know I'm a starter in this league, whether it's here or somewhere else," Johnson said. "I know I can start in this league. I think my numbers speak for themselves."