The Cincinnati Bengals’ third running back spot has been one many assumed would go to Tahj Brooks, but after a forgettable training camp and preseason, could someone else take that spot? Or could the Bengals surprise everyone and keep four running backs on the 53-man roster?
In Friday’s preseason finale vs. the Philadelphia Eagles, college free-agent running back Jamal Haynes made a play that could make the front office at least consider keeping him on the roster or the practice squad.
It truly was a sight to watch, even for a preseason game.
That run had everything. He danced around when the initial hole wasn’t there. He created his own cutback lane as the defense overpursued to contain him, breaking it outside. Tore through an arm tackle and took a few ankles before letting it rip to win the footrace to the end zone.
Haynes has had a decent camp after coming out of Georgia Tech as an undrafted product. At only 5’7, he can certainly get lost behind that huge offensive line. However, a third or fourth running back would be relied on more for special teams as either a returner or coverage player.
Maybe he catches on the Bengals’ practice squad, but he certainly will be on at least someone’s practice squad in the NFL after that one.
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