Cincinnati’s oxcart is in the ditch as the run game sinks to 2.41 yards per carry, a franchise-low pace through three games and 15th-worst since 1970. The reshuffling on the line is under microscope—Risner, Rivers, Ford, and a rookie guard-turned-option—while the passing attack struggles behind Jake Browning. With 5 interceptions and waning explosiveness, the Bengals must decide who they’ll rely on to anchor a turn-and-burn approach or pivot toward a more run-first identity.

Bengals coaches will study 23 late-game snaps to see if Rivers offers better run-blocking than Risner, while the option of Cody Ford looms if the unit needs a jolt. The underlying EPA numbers spell trouble: passing EPA is near the bottom, run EPA middling, and total pressure near the league’s worst. The margin for error is tiny as they face sharper defenses and a sputtering offense.

In short, Cincinnati must balance run and pass to avoid evaporating any season expectations. Until the ground game stabilizes and Browning can operate with fewer mistakes, the team’s outlook hinges on personnel tinkering and smarter game plans from the staff.

Bengals face a brutal setback after a 48-10 loss to Minnesota, with multiple injuries piling up. Samaje Perine exited early with a wrist injury and is unlikely to play next week, likely increasing Tahj Boyd’s workload. Dalton Risner left with a calf issue, and Jalen Rivers stepped in, with Lucas Patrick potentially returning later. Noah Fant suffered a concussion, thinning Cincinnati’s tight-end depth and forcing adjustments in lineman and return roles as the offense searches for stability.

Depth issues across RB, OL, and TE temper expectations for fantasy lineups as the Bengals reassess game plans and personnel usage. The Vikings capitalized on the chaos, and Cincinnati must map out a quick path to sustain production while rookie contributors prove they can handle extended roles on offense and special teams.

Bengals promote Mike Pennel to the 53-man roster after Week 1, moving Lucas Patrick to IR. Cincinnati also added DE Myles Cole and DE Isaiah Foskey to the practice squad, while releasing DE Isaiah Thomas. Patrick will miss at least four games with an ankle sprain, elevating Pennel’s run-stopping role and testing the DL depth early.

Alongside the roster shuffles, the moves signal a prioritization of rotational DL talent and veteran presence on the interior. Foskey’s practice-squad signing hints at development depth for potential future activation, while Cole provides added edge rush options should injuries bite as Cincinnati navigates a grueling schedule.