Bengals: Jacques Patrick made strong statement in preseason opener

The Cincinnati Bengals won their preseason opener against the Buccaneers on Saturday night and Jacques Patrick was the star on offense.

Patrick, a former undrafted running back out of Florida State, is looking to make the Bengals’ final roster and took another step toward doing so with his performance on Saturday.

Patrick had 15 carries and dashed for 71 yards with a long of 24 yards. He looked good and while not many people thought Patrick had much of a chance at making the roster, he definitely upped his stock with what he was able to do over the weekend.

Ben Baby tweeted during the game that Patrick didn’t get to do much last year due to there not being a preseason in 2020. Now, however, he gets a chance to show why the Bengals kept him around.

Jacques Patrick put on a show for the Bengals

As of now, the only true lock at running back is Joe Mixon as the starter. Samaje Perine is probably going to be the second-string but beyond that, there’s no guarantee as to who will fill what role.

Patrick was never really thought to be much of a factor compared to the other names on the roster, so this performance was a surprise, to say the least. Most assumed that Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans would be the two vying for the third-string job but Patrick led the entire pack in rushing yards.

This is only one game for Patrick but he definitely upped his stock on Saturday and while the final roster is still probably out of reach for him, he could change that by continuing to impress in the final two games. He also could remain on the practice squad and another team could have taken notice of his performance and scoop him up.

I’ll definitely be keeping a watchful eye on Patrick in the final two preseason games to see if he can shake up things at the running back position.