The Bengals are down a backup running back. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cincinnati has placed Chase Brown on injured reserve.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Brown injured his hamstring during Thursday’s practice. The running back will now miss at least the next four games before being eligible for activation.
Following a standout 2022 campaign where Brown earned second-team All-Big Ten honors, the Illinois product was selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft. The rookie was expected to add a spark to the Bengals backfield, but he hasn’t seen much of a role through the first month-plus.
In five games this season, Brown has collected 13 yards from scrimmage on five carries. The rookie has also seen a role on special teams, collecting a pair of tackles. He’s appeared in more than 50-perent of Cincy’s special teams snaps.
With Samaje Perine now in Denver, the Bengals will have to roll with some inexperienced depth behind Joe Mixon. Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans will move forward as the top backups, with Demetric Felton being a candidate for a promotion to the active roster.