Bengals could be looking to finish their running back equation
The Cincinnati Bengals are like any NFL team when it comes to the offseason. The seven-month period has several different phases, and most player acquisitions occur during the first two weeks of free agency and the NFL Draft. By the time training camp rolls around, very few new additions are made to any roster. The […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are like any NFL team when it comes to the offseason. The seven-month period has several different phases, and most player acquisitions occur during the first two weeks of free agency and the NFL Draft.
By the time training camp rolls around, very few new additions are made to any roster. The lone exceptions arise when big name free agents successfully bide their time until a perfect opening appears, or waived players find new teams on the waiver wire.
Either case may transpire for the Bengals at the running back position when final cuts are finalized.
The current configuration of Cincinnati's running back room features a starter in Joe Mixon, a veteran backup in Trayveon Williams, and a rookie reserve in Chase Brown to go with third-year player Chris Evans and a couple others. What remains to be seen is who will replace the role Samaje Perine had for the last two seasons as the third down back
According to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr., that role could be filled by an outside face if neither Williams or Brown prove worthy over the next several weeks.
"It sure feels like the Perine role remains unfilled. There’s a thought Williams could build on the impressive step he took last year and take on the role. There’s a curiosity about how Chase Brown will handle life in the NFL. There’s a handful of veteran backs still out there who could fill a gap. It’s hard to envision a world where they give Mixon yet another shot on third downs, so he’s the least likely answer. I think before we reach opening day, another running back will enter the fray and help connect the remaining dots." — The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr.
Notable names such as Ezekiel Elliott or Leonard Fournette could qualify for Perine's unfilled spot, but replacing a single player with another is just one way of accomplishing this task. The Bengals' solution could also be splitting the duties between Williams and Brown.
Williams may be more trusted to handle pass protection duties, while Brown and his top-tier athleticism could be focused on catching passes out of the backfield. Both can also take part in taking handoffs while Mixon takes breathers throughout the season.
But the Bengals do have one roster spot open, which has been the case since the middle of May. Perhaps they're waiting for the right moment to insert the final piece of the equation. It's just as likely they're accounting for contingencies at all other positions.
A major shakeup at running back should not be expected this late in the offseason, but late additions via convenient means is never out of the question.
Bengals’ future at running back may be revealed at training camp
The starting role is not up for grabs yet, but plenty of snaps at running back are there for the taking in Cincinnati.
Featured image via © Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
