Bengals Could Find Hidden Gem to Fix Their Running Back Depth

The Cincinnati Bengals have a running game issue, and unfortunately, it’s multifaceted. 

Chase Brown hasn't been efficient and, on film, has clearly made bad run-game choices, picking the wrong lanes and missing open holes in the offensive line. However, many snaps look lackluster, and running lanes are scarce. 

That has led to one of the worst running games in the NFL, both in rushing yards per game and per carry. 

However, one glaring issue remains. Cincinnati has no depth at running back. 

Samaje Perine backs up Chase Brown, who was expected to have a massive season. Perine has been just as inefficient as Brown, offering no spark out of the backfield when the coaches turn to him. 

This leaves questions about how the Bengals can address this. Wholesale scheme changes won’t happen this late in the year, and the goal probably shouldn’t be to finish with a top-five running game, but to stop it from becoming an offensive liability. 

One player who could help right away is former Washington Commanders sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen, whom Washington released Thursday afternoon. The former Penn State Nittany Lion had just 12 carries through four games so far this season. 

He rushed for 1,303 yards in 2025 and helped lead Penn State to the College Football Playoff in 2024, with 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns, including 134 yards in the Nittany Lions’ CFP win over the Boise State Broncos. 

This low-risk, high-reward addition could at least give Cincinnati depth at the position. Scouts dinged him for his lack of explosiveness coming out of college, but he's said to have great vision and size, which the Bengals could use in their running game right now. 

I think it would be a wiser move than spending draft capital on a guy like Brian Robinson Jr., Tyler Allgeier or RJ Harvey. 

After last Sunday’s game, Joe Burrow said he wanted to throw the ball more, despite having 54 passing attempts in the loss to the Jaguars, but he walked those comments back, saying he was emotional and that he knows the offense needs more balance. It was refreshing to hear, especially when you look at the history of the best offenses in the NFL, which are around 57% pass and 43% run. 

Bringing in a young free agent like Allen is an inexpensive insurance policy for depth that could pay off as a truly impactful ball carrier, as he was in college.