The Cincinnati Bengals Running Back Room Takes a Hit With Latest Injury

The joint practice between the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears was a wet mess filled with mistakes and clip-worthy highlights. Unfortunately, a few Bengals left early due to injury. One of those players was fourth-year running back from Michigan, Chris Evans .

Evans, along with backup offensive lineman D'Ante Smith , were carted off. Then, it was reported that Evans suffered a torn patellar tendon injury and will miss the entirety of the 2024 season.

Evans was likely going to be RB3 behind Zack Moss and Chase Brown this season and was battling with Trayveon Williams for snaps. Unfortunately for him, patellar tendons are notoriously difficult to recover from, but not imporssible.

The Bengals picked Evans in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He got the most work as a rookie as he played 95 offensive snaps and accounted for 77 yards and three touchdowns off 17 rushing attempts. As a receiver, he added 151 yards and two scores off 15 catches.

The following season, Evans was more of a kick returner than anything. He returned 10 kicks for 21.1 yards a pop. He did not record any rushing stats in 2022 but he did haul in three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown.

Last year, he only saw 24 snaps on offense and managed two rushes for 12 yards.

Now, the Bengals have to find a little running back depth. Williams likely has the inside track for the RB3 role and UDFAs Noah Cain and Elijah Collins are currently on the roster.