Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Evans (knee) will miss the entirety of the 2024 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon at Thursday's practice. Evans was the fourth running back on Cincinnati's preseason depth chart. While he only received three touches last season, it had been reported that the fourth-year pro was having a solid camp. Evans figured to play a more significant role in the Bengals' offense with the departure of Joe Mixon this offseason, but he will shortly begin his long road to recovery. This will be the first time since 2017 that Mixon isn't projected to lead the Cincinnati backfield in touches. At this point, Zack Moss and Chase Brown figure to form some sort of committee, with third-string Trayveon Williams sprinkling in when necessary. The point-scoring capabilities of the Bengals' offense makes this backfield one to monitor.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (ribs) is expected to miss time with a rib injury, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Browning filled in admirably for Joe Burrow when the latter missed a large chunk of last season with a wrist injury, prompting the team to re-sign him as their backup quarterback. Veteran Logan Woodside and undrafted free agent Rocky Lombardi will be the quarterbacks under center when the Bengals travel to Chicago for their second preseason game.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (undisclosed) was not present at practice on Tuesday. After holding in for a contract extension for the first couple of weeks of training camp, Chase was noticeably absent for the first time on Tuesday. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor noted that the situation remains fluid. Chase is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal and would like to receive a contract extension in line with the top wide receivers in the league. After a season in which Chase recorded a career-high 100 receptions for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns, he certainly deserves it. Fantasy managers are hopeful that this situation will be resolved quickly so that Chase can get back on the field. The Bengals' offense is poised for a monster year with a healthy Joe Burrow.

ESPN's Mike Clay believes that Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert could become available before the regular season begins. Herbert is currently a part of a logjam in Chicago's backfield alongside starter D'Andre Swift and change-of-pace back Roschon Johnson. With an expiring contract and without a clear future with the Bears, Herbert is a trade candidate this offseason or at the deadline later in the year. The 26-year-old former Virginia Tech standout and sixth-round pick demonstrated a decent level of explosiveness over 152 touches in 2023, producing 4.9 yards per touch across 12 appearances. Even in the case of an injury to Swift, Herbert would likely be a part of a timeshare with Johnson as well as pass-catching specialist Travis Homer.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (illness) returned to practice Monday. He was spotted working with the first-team offense upon his return. Moss has been competing with Chase Brown for the No. 1 running back spot on the roster. Moss is coming off a career year with the Indianapolis Colts in which he ran for 794 yards and five touchdowns in relief of Jonathan Taylor. The Bengals signed the 26-year-old to a two-year deal in March to replace Joe Mixon. However, Brown has generated a lot of buzz this offseason. It remains to be seen how the Bengals will deploy their running backs in 2024. Neither player is expensive to acquire in fantasy drafts and both may be worth a shot.