Through five games, the Bengals are tied for fourth in the NFL in points per game (28.0).
Yet, Cincinnati is just 1-4, falling behind in the early-season AFC North race. The team's offense can't take much blame though, playing well enough to keep the Bengals in games — and a strong running back duo has been a significant part of that.
Zack Moss has been the starter, but Chase Brown has impressed as a second-year back out of Illinois. However, Brown has dealt with some injury concerns throughout the week as Cincinnati prepares to take on the Giants in Week 6.
Here's what to know about Brown's injury status approaching the Bengals' "Sunday Night Football" matchup, including a look at the team's running back depth chart and Brown's fantasy outlook.
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Is Chase Brown playing this week? Injury update on Bengals RB
While Brown is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants, he's expected to play, per Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports.
Brown had been dealing with a quad injury throughout the week, and he was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. However, he should be good to go for "Sunday Night Football."
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed on Friday that both Brown and Moss were cleared for Sunday's game as well.
Through five games, Brown has 230 rushing yards on 5.6 yards per carry and three total touchdowns. He's become a significant part of Cincinnati's offense, accumulating 27 carries over the past two weeks.
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Bengals RB depth chart
The Bengals have relied on Moss and Brown as a duo through five weeks, as each has carved out a role in the team's offense. Here's a look at the Bengals' running back depth chart:
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Zack Moss |
| 2 | Chase Brown |
| 3 | Trayveon Williams |
| 4 | Chris Evans (IR) |
No. 1: Zack Moss
Moss has remained the starting running back for Cincinnati since Week 1, and he's earned at least nine carries in every game.
He's been a multi-talented weapon for the Bengals, totaling 211 rushing yards and 124 receiving yards this season. However, as time has gone on, Moss has lost some more snaps to Brown.
No. 2: Chase Brown
Brown has more rushing yards (230) than Moss on 16 fewer carries this season, providing the Bengals with a more efficient option through Week 5. The pairing has become more of a 1A and 1B in their offense over recent weeks.
As a fifth-round rookie in 2023, Brown took his 44 carries for 179 yards and had one receiving score. He continues to get more involved with the Bengals as each week passes.
No. 3: Trayveon Williams
With Moss and Brown virtually splitting time at running back so far this season, Williams hasn't registered his first carry of 2024.
He's been with the Bengals for all six seasons of his career, serving as a depth piece behind Joe Mixon before ranking behind Moss and Brown on the 2024 depth chat. Williams has 62 career carries for 307 rushing yards.
No. 4: Chris Evans (IR)
Evans was placed on IR before the 2024 season began with a torn patellar tendon. He's expected to miss the entire regular season.
Like Williams, Evans has been with the Bengals since he was drafted. A sixth-round pick in 2021, Evans has three receiving touchdowns in his career, but just 19 carries.
Chase Brown fantasy outlook Week 6
As he's expected to be healthy vs. the Giants, Brown is a strong starting RB3 option in Week 6.
Even while splitting time with Moss, Brown has been productive when he's on the field lately. Between Weeks 4 and 5, he had 126 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He will remain limited as a fantasy option as long as Moss owns the starting job and is cutting into his playing time, but the efficiency Brown provides is valuable enough to be worth starting.
Should Moss ever miss a game, Brown would immediately jump into high-end RB2 territory. For now though, he's worth starting in FLEX spots against the Giants.
