Cincinnati Bengals release BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Dec 22, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (42) attempts to avoid a tackle by Minnesota Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Erin Henderson (50) the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Today the Bengals decided to release veteran runner BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Since his arrival in Cincinnati in 2012, “the Law Firm” accumulated 1,850 yards and 13 TDs.  He’s been the classiest of players while watching his role slowly diminish since arriving in Cincinnati two years ago.  He was an excellent mentor and locker room guy for the younger players, especially the running backs.  Being a guy from New England, I was excited when the Bengals first acquired BJGE away from the Patriots.  I watched him do all the little things to help that team win games while fighting for the extra yard on every one of his carries.  He did the same kind of things for the Bengals and was one of the integral pieces helping this team turn its image around.

But his time has run out in Cincinnati as they’ve chosen to go with youth in lieu of his veteran presence.  At this point, the choice for the Bengals is whether or not to carry Rex Burkhead or James Wilder, Jr. as their fourth and presumed final running back.  The prognosis on Burkhead’s injury is unknown at this point, but regardless, the decision of who to keep tomorrow will come down to who they feel is more likely to make it through waivers unclaimed.  The Bengals could then resign Wilder to their practice squad or place Burkhead on I.R. if his injury is significant enough (they will also need to decide if they’ll use the I.R. with designation to return tag on either Burkhead or Hopkins).  I expect the Bengals to retain Burkhead’s rights and the Bengals to hope that Wilder makes it through waivers.  As for Green-Ellis, I expect another team to claim him promptly as solid veteran runners who excel with ball security and getting the tough yards can be highly sought after.  He’s a great locker room guy, so he’d add a quality presence to any organization.  I’ll be rooting for him no matter where he ends up.  Here’s some highlights of Green-Ellis with the Bengals.