Chase Brown's Injury Should Make Running Back Top Priority for Bengals at Trade Deadline
CINCINNATI — Bengals rookie running back Chase Brown suffered a hamstring injury on Thursday. He's out this week and could miss multiple games with the injury.
They haven't relied on him much in their first six games, but there were rumblings of him getting more touches moving forward.
Instead, one of the Bengals' biggest weaknesses got even worse.
Joe Mixon has led the way with 366 rushing yards and one touchdown. He's been on the field for 283 (74%) offensive snaps this season. The Bengals were quietly hoping Brown could take on a larger role moving forward, to not only bring some explosion to the running game, but to keep Mixon fresh.
Now that Brown is out and could miss multiple games, the Bengals have to entertain the idea of trading for or signing a running back that can help them.
The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Cincinnati is projected to have nine picks (two compensatory) in the 2024 NFL Draft.
They don't traditionally acquire players via trade midseason, but a move makes too much sense.
Adding a piece would make life easier on Mixon, take pressure off of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and an offense that has been limited throughout the season.
Maybe it's a back like AJ Dillon or Ezekiel Elliott. Both guys would help them in short yardage situations. Other options that are rumored to be on the market include Dalvin Cook, Derrick Henry and Antonio Gibson.
The Bengals could also explore the free agent market. Former fourth overall pick Leonard Fournette is available.
Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson would be a great fit if the Bengals were willing to give up a quality draft pick for him.
Cincinnati desperately needs another option in the backfield. Brown's injury should make running back their top priority ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.
This need isn't going away and the result of Sunday's game against the 49ers shouldn't impact their willingness to add a piece before Tuesday's deadline at 4 p.m. ET.
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