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Bengals: 4 potential candidates to be the No. 3 running back

By Leigh Oleszczak

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals hands off the ball to Joe Mixon #28 during the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals hands off the ball to Joe Mixon #28 during the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals
Running back Pooka Williams Jr. #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Bengals RB3 Options – No. 2: Pooka Williams

For those of you who have been reading most of my articles, you’ll know that I’m high on former Kansas running back Pooka Williams. He has the ability to really shine, even as a UDFA, and while he might not get onto the roster as a running back, all it takes is an injury to either Mixon or Perine (obviously not wishing for that to happen) for Williams to move up the ladder.

Trending. 3 Bengals UDFAs Who Can Make a Difference. light

Williams was the only bright spot for a lackluster Kansas offense (that’s putting it nicely), rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. He opted out midway through his third and final college season and didn’t hear his name called in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Fortunately, the Bengals snatched him up and while he might not get an immediate shot as a running back, Williams might have an opportunity to make a name for himself on special teams as a punt returner.

If Williams can sneak onto the 53-man roster, the Bengals will have more of a chance to see what he can do and give him more chances as a runner. More than likely, he’d only be getting the ball if Mixon or Perine were injured, but with how often injuries occur at the running back position, this could most definitely occur.

Pooka Williams will have a tough climb ahead of him but if he comes out of the other side on the 53-man roster or even the Bengals practice squad, there’s hope for him to land the RB3 role at some point.

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