Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has solidified his position atop the team’s running back depth chart, emerging as the primary ball carrier for the 2025 NFL season. The 25-year-old, draughted in the fifth round in 2023, faces competition from rookie Tahj Brooks, selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and veteran Zack Moss, whose season was cut short by a neck injury in 2024.
As training camp intensifies, the Bengals’ backfield dynamics are under scrutiny, with Brown’s breakout performance last season setting the stage for a high-octane offence led by quarterback Joe Burrow.
Chase Brown’s 2024 season was a revelation, with 229 carries for 990 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, complemented by 54 receptions for 360 yards and four scores across 16 games.
His 4.3 yards per carry and versatility as a pass-catcher have cemented his role as the Bengals’ lead back, earning praise from head coach Zac Taylor for his pass protection and explosiveness.
Brown, listed at 5 feet 10 inches and 211 pounds, ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine, showcasing the speed that makes him a dynamic fit for Cincinnati’s high-powered offence. Despite a mild high-ankle sprain in Week 17 of 2024, Brown is fully recovered and participating in training camp, positioning him as a top-12 fantasy football running back for 2025.
Tahj Brooks, a 23-year-old rookie from Texas Tech, joins the Bengals as a sixth-round pick (193rd overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known as the Red Raiders’ all-time leading rusher with 4,560 yards and 45 touchdowns, Brooks brings a bruising, workhorse style at 5 feet 10 inches and 230 pounds.
His college career included back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons and 22 consecutive games with at least 95 rushing yards, earning him a spot in the Big 12 record books.
However, his 4.52-second 40-yard dash and limited breakaway speed suggest a complementary role behind Brown. Brooks has impressed in training camp with his pass-catching ability, catching three passes in full-team drills, despite only 548 receiving yards in college.
Analysts see him competing with veteran Samaje Perine for the third spot on the depth chart, with the potential to become Brown’s direct handcuff if he surpasses Moss.
Zack Moss, now 28, faces an uncertain future after a season-ending neck injury in Week 9 of 2024 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Signed as a free agent in March 2024 to a two-year, $8 million contract, Moss started the season as the Bengals’ primary back but averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry, totalling 242 yards and two touchdowns on 74 carries in eight games.
His 23 receptions for 187 yards and one score showcased his pass-catching prowess, but his injury history—dating back to college—raises concerns about his durability. Moss, listed at 5 feet 9 inches and 205 pounds, avoids surgery and is working on conditioning during training camp, but his roster spot is at risk with the addition of Khalil Herbert via trade and the emergence of Brooks.
Some analysts label Moss a “shocking cut candidate” if he fails to rebound, given the Bengals’ depth and preference for Brown’s youth and speed.
The Bengals’ running back room, rounded out by Perine and Herbert, reflects a strategic blend of speed, power, and experience. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has expressed interest in adding a “bigger, physical back” to complement Brown’s finesse, hinting at Brooks’ potential role in short-yardage situations.
Perine re-signed to a two-year, $3.8 million deal and offers veteran stability with 941 rushing yards in his earlier Bengals stint. Herbert, acquired in mid-2024, provides depth and could see increased snaps if Brown’s ankle flares up.
The team’s decision to wait until the sixth round to draft Brooks, despite pre-draft visits with higher-profile backs like Quinshon Judkins, signals confidence in Brown’s ability to lead the backfield in 2025.
Social media discussions on X highlight Brown’s breakout potential, with some comparing his dual-threat style to former Bengal Giovani Bernard. Brooks, meanwhile, is viewed as a sleeper pick in deep fantasy leagues, while Moss’ injury concerns temper expectations.
The Bengals’ offence, featuring stars like Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, is poised to maximise its running backs’ contributions, making the depth chart a focal point as the season nears.
As training camp progresses, Brown’s grip on the starting role appears secure, but Brooks’ power-running style and Moss’ veteran experience add intrigue.
The Bengals’ first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025, will offer early clues about snap distribution. With Brown’s lightning speed, Brooks’ thunderous runs, and Moss’ uncertain recovery, Cincinnati’s backfield promises a compelling mix of talent and competition, shaping the team’s ground game in a pivotal season.
