Chris Evans and the Cincinnati Bengals are hoping to recover from a disappointing 2023 campaign, where they were eliminated from the postseason. However, they have lost an additional depth piece in their running back room just before the new season.
Running back Evans, a sixth-round pick in 2021, tore his patellar tendon during practice on Thursday. He will now be sidelined for the entire regular season, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Evans reportedly sustained the injury early on Thursday in the Bengals and Chicago Bears' joint practice while covering a kickoff. After falling, he was carted off the field. The former Michigan running back was then reportedly observed exiting the facility with a brace on his leg and on crutches later.
It will undoubtedly hurt the fourth-year running back, who hasn't quite made an impression on the league and whose injury will only exacerbate matters. Furthermore, the player, whose rookie contract expires the next offseason, is entering a contract year, making the injury a devastating development.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Evans recorded 17 rushes for 77 yards and 15 catches for 151 yards and two scores in his 2021 rookie campaign. In 2022, he was mostly used as a receiver, recording three receptions for 38 yards and one touchdown. He only had two rushes for 12 yards and one catch last season.
Chris Evans would have expected that this season would be his breakthrough year, especially after the Bengals had traded Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans. However, he will now be forced to wait until next year to have the breakout season he has been waiting for.
Chris Evans' injury: Who's left on the Bengals' RB depth chart?
Chris Evans appeared to be a legitimate candidate for the Cincinnati Bengals' third-string running back role this season, behind Zack Moss and Chase Brown, prior to his injury. He will now, unfortunately, miss the entire 2024 season.
The Bengals' running back room is looking scant, with the exception of Brown and Moss. Trayveon Williams, who mainly plays special teams and has only had 62 rushes in his career spanning four years, is the only other experienced running back.
Although Elijah Collins and Noah Cain are on the roster, they are probably headed for the practice squad and won't be fighting for a final RB berth.
Bengals Nation! Check out the latest Cincinnati Bengals Schedule and dive into the Bengals Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.