The Cincinnati Bengals’ preparation for the upcoming season has been dealt a significant blow even before the games have officially begun. During a joint practice session with the Chicago Bears, the Bengals lost running back Chris Evans for the entirety of the 2024 season due to a torn patella tendon. This development jeopardizes not only their running back options but also the dynamics of their kick return game.
Chris Evans, a sixth-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft out of Michigan, sustained the injury during a kickoff return. The severity of the injury was immediately apparent, as Evans had to be carted off the field with an air cast, effectively confirming the gravity of the situation. This unfortunate incident underscores the unpredictable and often ruthless nature of professional football, where significant injuries can occur even in practice settings.
Implications for the Bengals’ Roster
Even before the injury, Evans' place on the Bengals’ 53-man roster was far from assured. Positioned behind Zack Moss, Chase Brown, and Trayveon Williams on the depth chart, Evans had to fight for his role in the team. Over his three-season tenure, which included 34 games and one start, Evans amassed 89 yards on 19 carries. He also contributed to the passing game with 19 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns.
Where Evans shined most was in his role as a kick returner. Serving as the Bengals’ primary kick returner for the first half of the 2022 season, he averaged 21.1 yards per return. His absence now creates a significant void, forcing the coaching staff to rethink special teams strategy and potentially pivot to other players to fill the gaps in kick returns.
Challenges and Adjustments Ahead
The loss of Evans was not the only setback for the Bengals during the ill-fated practice session. Approximately ten minutes after Evans was carted off, offensive tackle D'Ante Smith also had to be removed from the field due to an injury. The Bengals’ depth will be tested as they look for ways to compensate for these sudden and impactful roster changes.
With Evans out of the picture, the Bengals might intensify their reliance on the other running backs currently in rotation. Players like Zack Moss, Chase Brown, and Trayveon Williams will likely see increased workloads, which may require adjustments to their existing game plans. Additionally, the team could venture into the free-agent market or look to elevate practice squad members to fill the void in their kick return unit.
The Road to Recovery
For Chris Evans, the immediate future involves surgery and a lengthy period of rehabilitation. His journey back to the field will be long and arduous, with extensive rehab sessions needed to get him back to full fitness. The Bengals will need to rally and show resilience during this challenging period, keeping their playoff aspirations in their sights.
This season will undoubtedly be a test of depth and resilience for Cincinnati. Injuries are an inherent risk of the sport, and how well the team adapts to these adversities will play a significant role in their pursuit of success. The league knows all too well that a championship campaign requires not just talent but also the ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles and maintain focus through trying times.
The Bengals' coaching staff and players now face the daunting task of restructuring their gameplay and roster dynamics with the playoffs as the ultimate goal. The loss of Evans and Smith highlights the ever-present need for depth and adaptability in an NFL roster, setting the stage for Cincinnati to demonstrate their mettle as the season progresses.