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Does Samaje Perine deserve a larger role at running back over Chase Brown?

Samaje Perine delivered his most productive rushing performance of the season for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, totaling 14 carries for 68 yards and a 4.9 yards-per-carry average—the highest single-game mark for a Bengals back this year. His efficiency extended beyond the ground game, as he also contributed two receptions for 10 yards and scored a touchdown on a pass from Joe Burrow, adding a spark to an offense that has struggled to find consistent running-game success early in 2026.

While rookie Chase Brown remains a reliable receiving option out of the backfield, his rushing production has been inconsistent, ranging from 10 yards on nine carries against Jacksonville to 80 yards on 20 attempts against Houston. The Bengals’ backfield could benefit from a more balanced approach, with Perine’s recent surge suggesting he deserves a larger share of the workload moving forward—particularly if his recent form continues to outpace Brown’s uneven output.

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