If you watched the Cincinnati Bengals over the last few years, you’ve seen a massive identity shift. It wasn't that long ago that Joe Mixon was the bell cow, the guy getting 20 carries a game while Joe Burrow worked his magic. But things look a lot different now. As we roll into the bengals running backs 2025 season, the "committee" era has basically been shoved aside for a new star.
Honestly, the backfield is Chase Brown’s world. Everyone else is just living in it.
The 2024 season was a massive wake-up call for anyone who thought Zack Moss was going to be the main man in Cincinnati. Moss started the year as the RB1, but a neck injury in Week 8 changed the trajectory of the entire franchise. Suddenly, the kid from Illinois, Chase Brown, wasn't just a "change of pace" guy anymore. He was the only guy. And he absolutely went nuclear.
The Breakout of Chase Brown
Let’s talk numbers for a second because they’re kinda wild. In 2024, Brown racked up nearly 1,000 yards on the ground and showed he’s a legit weapon in the passing game. But 2025? That’s when he really cemented himself. By the time the 2025 season wrapped up, Brown had officially hit that 1,000-yard rushing milestone, finishing with 1,019 yards and six touchdowns on 232 carries.
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But it’s the receiving stats that really jump out.
He set a franchise record for catches by a running back with 69 receptions in 2025. Think about that. He’s basically becoming Joe Burrow’s safety net. When the defense is selling out to stop Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins (who the Bengals managed to keep on the franchise tag), Burrow just dumps it to Brown. It’s effective. It's smart. It’s also exhausting for opposing linebackers who can’t keep up with his 4.4 speed in the open field.
What Happened to the Rest of the Room?
You might be wondering what happened to Zack Moss. Well, the Bengals actually released him in July 2025. It was a bit of a "business of football" move. After his injury, Brown just took the job and never looked back. Moss had restructured his deal to stay competitive, but with a $1.7 million price tag and only $375,000 guaranteed, the front office decided to move on and let the younger guys eat.
Speaking of older guys, Samaje Perine is back. Again. It’s his third stint in Cincinnati, which is sort of hilarious at this point. He’s 30 years old now, so he isn’t the future, but he’s still one of the best pass-blocking backs in the league. You’ve got to protect Joe Burrow. That’s the golden rule in Cincy. If Brown needs a breather or if it’s a high-leverage 3rd-and-long, Perine is the guy you’ll see out there.
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Then there’s the new kid, Tahj Brooks.
The Bengals grabbed him in the sixth round of the 2025 draft out of Texas Tech. He’s a different flavor than Brown. Where Brown is explosive and twitchy, Brooks is a hammer. He’s built like a fire hydrant and loves to initiate contact. He didn’t get a ton of run in 2025, but he’s clearly being groomed to be the short-yardage guy. If it's 4th and 1 on the goal line, Brooks is the one who’s going to put his head down and move the pile.
Why the Strategy Shifted
For years, the Bengals were criticized for being too one-dimensional. It was Burrow or bust. But the bengals running backs 2025 group has actually made the offense harder to defend. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has been vocal about not "burning out" Chase Brown, but he also knows he can’t take his most explosive playmaker off the field.
The offensive line help has been a factor too. Bringing in Dylan Fairchild in the third round of the '25 draft was a sneaky good move. He’s a former wrestling champ—literally went 67-0 in high school—and that leverage translates. Having a guy like that at guard has opened up lanes that weren't there in 2023 or 2024.
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Is the backfield perfect? Not exactly.
Brown still had some ball security issues earlier on. That fumble against Baltimore in 2024 still haunts some fans. But his growth in pass protection—ranking 12th among all RBs in pass-blocking grade—has made him a true three-down threat. You don't have to sub him out, which means the defense can't guess the play based on who's in the backfield.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As it stands, Chase Brown is heading into the final year of his rookie contract in 2026. He’s scheduled to be the unquestioned starter again. The Bengals have found their guy, and they did it without spending a first-round pick or a massive free-agent contract.
If you're looking at this from a fantasy perspective or just a die-hard fan's view, the takeaway is simple: the volume is there. Brown is getting 20+ touches a game regularly now. With a revamped defense keeping games closer, the Bengals aren't forced to abandon the run by the second quarter anymore.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason:
- Keep an eye on the extension talks: If the Bengals don't extend Brown before the 2026 season starts, his price tag is going to skyrocket if he puts up another 1,400-scrimmage-yard season.
- Watch Tahj Brooks' role in the preseason: He’s the most likely candidate to steal those "vulture" touchdowns at the goal line, which could cap Brown's ceiling slightly.
- Offensive Line Health: The success of this run game is tethered to the interior. If Fairchild or Mims go down, the run game efficiency usually takes a 15-20% hit.
The Bengals finally have a balanced attack. It took a few years of transition, but the backfield is no longer a question mark—it's a strength.