Bengals' RB Chase Brown Officially Out Against Steelers

After a tough start to the 2024 NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals still have a shot to make the playoffs.

All that has to happen is Cincinnati has to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Miami Dolphins need to lose to the New York Jets, and the Denver Broncos need to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs without their key players.

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Sure, it's a long shot, but it's a shot nonetheless.

Before anything else, the Bengals have to defeat the Steelers later today. Unfortunately, it looks seems it will likely be without running back Chase Brown.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Chase Brown #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

According to a report from Bridget Condon of NFL Network, Brown indicated after attempting drills that he will not be playing against the Steelers tonight.

"Chase Brown just tried to do some cutting drills, shook his head no and is now walking off the field," Condon said on X (formerly Twitter).

Footage of the drills was later shared by Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati.

This is a huge loss for the Bengals. While all eyes have been on quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Brown has quietly been an effective rushing force.

After only recording 179 rushing yards last year, Brown surprised everyone this season with 229 carries for 990 yards and seven touchdowns. He also made 54 receptions for 360 yards and four touchdowns.

The Bengals later announced that Brown was officially inactive alongside receiver Charlie Jones, defensive end Isaiah Thomas, offensive tackle Andrew Stueber, wide receiver Jermaine Burton, tight end Tanner McLachlan, and defensive end Sam Hubbard.

The last time Cincinnati faced Pittsburgh this season, they lost 44-38. Brown was responsible for 70 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Brown will most likely be replaced by Khalil Herbert, who started this season with the Chicago Bears. His best season was in 2022 when he rushed for 731 yards and four touchdowns.

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While this is certainly disheartening for the Bengals, there is still reason to hold on to hope.

Burrow is arguably the best passing quarterback in the NFL, leading the league with 423 completed passes, 4,641 passing yards, and 42 passing touchdowns.

This is largely because of the receiving combination of Chase and Higgins, who are one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the league.

Currently, Chase is on track to win the receiving triple crown with 117 receptions, 1,612 receiving yards, and 16 receiving touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Higgins has been a big playmaker for the Bengals' offense, making 69 receptions for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns across 11 games.

With Brown out of the picture, these three offensive stars are going to have to carry more weight than before.

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