Cincinnati Bengals Must Find Out What They Have in Chase Brown

The Bengals are hoping to get their rushing attack going on Monday night against the Jaguars. 

Joe Mixon will lead the backfield in touches, but the coaching staff plans to get rookie Chase Brown on the field. 

The 23-year-old has two rushing attempts for six yards this season. While it's unrealistic to expect him to transform the Bengals' ground game, it's fair to wonder if he can bring a level of explosiveness that they haven't had this season. 

Brown ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but has ran sub-4.40 40s. If the Bengals' offensive line can give him a running lane, there's a good chance he can turn it into a big play.

“I thought he’s brought great demeanor and great energy,” Ted Karras said on Cincinnati Bengals Talk. “Obviously he’s a very fast and talented running back. I hope that he can get in in his rookie year and show what he can do. I think he’s going to be a big part of the offense moving forward through these next couple of years.”

Brown missed four games with a hamstring injury. He returned to the field last week against Pittsburgh, but only played on special teams. He's looked fast and explosive in practice, league sources tell All Bengals. 

If Brown can be a quality change of pace back, it'll keep Mixon fresh and could give Cincinnati two reliable ball carriers to lean on for the first time this season. 

With Jake Browning at quarterback, Cincinnati will have to run the ball more. Seeing what Brown can add to their offense is a big key to Monday night's game and the future of this offense.