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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
Cincinnati Bengals halfback Chris Evans (25) -Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

Bengals RB3 Options – No. 1: Chris Evans

It appears that the likeliest option to win the No. 3 running back job in Cincinnati is sixth-round rookie Chris Evans out of Michigan. The Bengals saw enough in him to spend one of their 10 draft picks on him despite already having Trayveon Williams and a slew of other players on their roster.

Evans’ collegiate numbers don’t necessarily pop, there’s a lot to like about what he does as a runner. Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network was very high on Evans when evaluating him ahead of the draft, offering this insight:

"Evans is a dark horse because of the unknown variables at play, but a team that can build out the proper infrastructure and support system around him may reap the benefits of this physically talented back."

Crabbs listed Evans as a developmental starter and noted that he missed the 2019 season due to an academic suspension and then he wasn’t used much in 2020 when he was able to return to action. This means that Evans hasn’t really had much traction since the 2018 season and it’s going to take some time for Cincinnati to see what they have with him.

That being said, Evans provides a lot of upside for the Bengals, and with Mixon having a potential out on his contract after this year, maybe Evans can gain a more important role moving forward.

The third-string running back position might not seem like much now but Bengals fans saw firsthand how important it is to have depth behind Mixon after he was injured last year. Any of these guys could win the job and while Evans looks to be the favorite, that’s what the preseason is for.

Next. 3 Keys to Making the Playoffs in 2021. dark

Who will win the RB3 job, Bengals fans?

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