Cincinnati Bengals' sixth round rookie running back has done enough through camp to earn the top backup spot on the latest 53-man projection. Chase Brown showed down the stretch last season that he can thrive in a workhorse role, and projects that the team will keep only three running backs on their initial roster, with Brooks and Perine splitting backup duty. Brooks had an extremely productive college career, and he is built for hard yardage and goal-line work. At 230 pounds, he outweighs Brown by about 15 pounds. His pass-blocking skills have also reportedly carried over as he transitions to the pro game, which is usually one of the most difficult hurdles to clear for a rookie trying to make his way onto the field. Brooks could have standalone value if he's able to vulture goal-line carries, and his upside is as high as any backup in the league should Brown miss time to injury.
Aug 24, 2025 5:31 PM EST
Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks ran for 26 yards off 10 attempts in Thursday's preseason loss to the Eagles. He added one catch (two targets) for three yards. Chase Brown began the contest with the rest of the starters. While Brooks handled the bulk of the touches, he only averaged 2.6 yards per carry. Despite the subpar showing on Thursday night, the 2025 No. 193 overall pick has looked good throughout training camp and appears to have earned the trust of the coaching staff. However, with Brown expected to get the majority of the snaps out of the backfield in 2025, there could be little room for Brooks to remain consistently involved, even if the rookie manages to secure the No. 2 spot on the depth chart over Samaje Perine. With the Bengals dropping their first game of the preseason, the team will look to get on track versus the Commanders on August 18.
Aug 8, 2025 10:53 AM EST
Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks continues to make waves during training camp, with Chris Roling of USA Today reporting that the rookie "just keeps impressing." The Bengals held their annual night practice at Paycor Stadium in front of fans on Saturday. While there were more than a few standouts, there was no denying that Brooks was one of them after he "ripped off a few big runs." The 23-year-old was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In his final collegiate season at Texas Tech, he amassed 1,505 yards off 286 touches while finding the end zone a total of 18 times. Of course, Chase Brown is expected to get the bulk of the snaps out of the backfield. However, with the team recently releasing Zack Moss, Brooks may find himself getting more work over Samaje Perine, who the team brought back this offseason.. Although that won't make Brooks a starting fantasy option in redraft leagues, he could have increased value as an insurance policy for Chase's managers, assuming he continues to trend in the right direction heading into Week 1.
Aug 3, 2025 7:18 PM EST
Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Tahj Brooks has reportedly "turned heads in camp" and has a clear path to the team's RB2 role after Cincinnati released veteran running back Zack Moss on Wednesday. A sixth-round pick out of Texas Tech, Brooks gained 1,704 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns in just 11 games for the Red Raiders in 2024. The Bengals have Chase Brown entrenched as their starter at running back, so Brooks will be battling veterans Samaje Perine and Gary Brightwell for the RB2 role. Perine is known for his third-down work as a pass-catcher and pass-protector, which could earn him the job early in the season. Brooks may need an injury to Brown to see enough playing time to make an impact in fantasy, but he could be an intriguing late-round handcuff option.
Jul 31, 2025 9:24 PM EST
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said throughout the spring how impressed they were with rookie running back Tahj Brooks' pass-catching abilities out of the backfield. Reporter Jaron May writes that Brooks had three catches -- two checkdowns and one designed route -- in the first set of 11-on-11 drills at training camp practice on Friday. The 23-year-old sixth-round selection wasn't a very prolific pass-catcher in his college days at Texas Tech, but he could be used more as a receiver at the next level as he competes for a depth role going into his first NFL season. Chase Brown is the team's unquestioned lead back, but Brooks will compete with Zack Moss (neck) and Samaje Perine for a change-of-pace role. For now, he's more of a dynasty stash.
Jul 25, 2025 1:52 PM EST
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