AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson has been sentenced to 20 days in jail after reaching a deal to settle two misdemeanor assault cases in Texas.

Benson was in court in Austin, Texas, on Monday and the deal was struck after a jury was picked. He said he will surrender to authorities on Oct. 17, which is the Monday of Cincinnati’s bye week.

Benson was arrested in 2010 for allegedly punching a bar employee in Austin, and he pleaded no contest in that case. He was also arrested last month for allegedly punching a former roommate in downtown Austin. That case was dismissed.

Benson has been the Bengals’ leading rusher since 2008. The former Texas star was an unrestricted free agent but chose to sign a one-year contract to stay in Cincinnati.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.