Bengals: 3 practice squad players who can contribute in 2021

2. Jacques Patrick

Jacques Patrick was arguably the MVP of the preseason for the Bengals. The former XFL running back was able to put together exciting plays in the running and receiving departments and showed that he belongs on an NFL roster.

Unfortunately for Patrick, the Bengals have a very deep stable of running backs and this was indicated by them keeping three running backs on their practice squad. Patrick is one of those running backs though and with the preseason he had, it’s not crazy to think he could make the team and contribute at some point.

Joe Mixon will start and get the lion’s share of the work. Mixon has made a name for himself as a three-down back and in the top level of running backs in the NFL. He will be relied on heavily to make this team a truly balanced offense.

Behind Mixon will be veteran backup Samaje Perine who had a pretty quiet preseason but has been with the organization long enough that this is no surprise. The final man on the roster will be the rookie out of Michigan, Chris Evans. Evens had a very good preseason that cemented his spot in this lineup.

Patrick not making the roster is less a commentary on his skills, but the depth of Cincinnati’s running backs.

Running backs go through a lot of wear and tear throughout the season, so it would not be a surprise to see Patrick get called up if one of the players ahead of him goes down. Fans would be excited to see him back in action and see if there is a future for him within the organization.