Kansas City, Mo. ? Running back Larry Johnson will sit out Kansas City’s game against Tennessee for violating team rules, a potentially crippling blow for a struggling young offense facing the NFL’s last unbeaten team.

Coach Herm Edwards refused to specify what team rules the two-time Pro Bowler broke. But Edwards did say his decision had nothing to do with the charge of simple assault filed against Johnson this week.

Johnson, 28, has rushed for 417 yards and three touchdowns as the rookie-laden Chiefs try to find their way through the first year of a top-to-bottom rebuilding project. Against Denver on Sept. 28, the only victory the Chiefs (1-4) have, he gained 198 yards. The Titans (5-0) come in with a defense ranked fifth overall and are giving up only 95.8 yards rushing.

“Any time you’re missing a good player … I think it always hurts you,” Edwards said. “But you see other players elevate their game, too.”

Johnson was not in the locker room Thursday when reporters were admitted.

Kolby Smith, who had 407 yards on 112 carries last year when Johnson missed the last eight games because of a foot injury, probably will start. Also certain to see plenty of action will be rookie Jamaal Charles, a third-round pick out of Texas who has carried 21 times for 98 yards.

A 26-year-old woman accused Johnson of pushing the side of her head with an open hand at the Grand Emporium Saloon on Feb. 24, telling her “don’t touch me” as he made his way through the club. He has a court date in December.