Three Bengals who must impress in camp to avoid being cut

Cincinnati appears to be absolutely loaded at the running back position heading into the upcoming campaign. Leading the group is Joe Mixon, an absolute star that has kept the Bengals’ run game going behind a horrendous offensive line. Behind him is Giovani Bernard, a shifty veteran who can get it done both in the passing game and blocking.

To round the group out, Rodney Anderson and Trayveon Williams stand ready. Both show tremendous potential and could take another step this year.

The team typically only keeps four backs, and all of those spots appear to be filled with the aforementioned players. However, the front office claimed running back Samaje Perine off waivers this offseason, suggesting there may be room for him.

The coaching staff clearly loves the former Sooner back, as this is the second time they’ve brought him in to wear stripes. No matter how favorably they view him, however, the numbers work against him. There’s not a lot of reason to keep an extra running back that will rarely see playing time over an additional defensive end that can work into the rotation.

Perine will have to perform extremely well and prove he can be an ace on special teams if he wants to make the roster.