Brooks is a depth option; potential limited usage in Week 5 with Perine and Brown ahead; unlikely to carry significant standalone value, but could surprise as a flex if injuries occur.

Brooks sits as a deep-league stash in Cincinnati, with a path to RB2 if Perine is sidelined, offering a late-season upside in a crowded backfield.

Brooks appeared for the first time this rookie year as a direct outcome of Perine’s injury, logging his first NFL action and adding a fresh dynamic to Cincinnati’s backfield mix alongside Chase Brown.

Brooks saw meaningful early action with 27 snaps and 5 touches in his pro debut, hinting at a developing role behind Cincinnati’s main backfield. He’s a development project with pass-game potential, worth monitoring for Week 4 and beyond.

<p>Brooks provides a burst option in Cincinnati’s backfield. If the Bengals lean on the ground game, Brooks could contribute with explosive runs and occasional receiving work, adding a spark when the defense looks to stack the box.</p>