Is Chase Brown playing tonight? Bengals RB's status explored for Week 17

Chase Brown is the starting running back for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Illinois product took over the starting RB role after the departure of Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans ahead of the 2024 season.

Let's examine Brown's availability as we count down to tonight's must-win game against the Denver Broncos.

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Is Chase Brown playing tonight?

Yes, Chase Brown is playing tonight's game against the Denver Broncos. The Cincinnati Bengals must win the game and hope that other games end in their favor to qualify for the playoffs. Hence, they will have their main rushing weapon on the gridiron.

Brown enters the game without an injury designation and hasn't missed a game in his sophomore season. Hence, barring any unfortunate occurrences, he will start against Sean Payton's Denver Broncos in tonight's game.

While Brown is set to play, the same can't be said about two of his teammates. Defensive end Sam Hubbard is out due to a knee injury while defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins won't participate because of an illness.

Furthermore, tight end Tanner Hudson is doubtful to feature, while Tee Higgins, Charlie Jones, Amarius Mims, Joseph Ossai and Geno Stone are questionable.

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How is Chase Brown performing this season?

Chase Brown has been one of the Bengals' better performers in an underwhelming regular season. The sophomore RB has stepped into the role vacated by Joe Mixon, and he's now a key part of Zac Taylor's offense.

Brown has amassed a stat line of 209 carries, 923 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He has also added 50 catches, 336 receiving yards and four touchdowns for good measure. He will reach the 1,000 rushing yards mark in 2024 if he gets 77 yards in tonight's game or in Week 18.

The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled for consistency in 2024. Their potent Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase-led offense has been nullified by a defense that can't seem to get it right. Hence, tonight's game against the Denver Broncos is a must-win one, as they will be eliminated from the playoffs if they slump to their ninth loss of the season.