The Bengals were shorthanded in the backfield for yesterday’s win, and that will likely remain the case for at least a brief stretch. Head coach Zac Taylor announced on Monday that Zack Moss is out indefinitely as he continues to deal with a neck injury. 
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Moss had been active for each of Cincinnati’s first eight contests this season, handling a notable workload. The free agent pickup handled between nine and 15 carries for the first five weeks of the season, but that figure then dropped with second-year back Chase Brown seeing an uptick in opportunities. Brown had a workhorse role yesterday with 32 touches, and that will likely continue as long as Moss is absent.
The latter does not have a firm recovery timeline in place at this point, with ESPN’s Ben Baby noting more information will be sought out over the coming days. At a minimum, it can be expected Moss will be sidelined for Week 10 since the Bengals are set to play on Thursday night. If he is absent for that contest, the team’s offense will be shorthanded for a pivotal rematch against the Ravens.
Like a slew of teams around the NFL, the Bengals made changes at the running back spot this offseason. Longime starter Joe Mixon was traded to the Texans, paving the way for a more cost-effective backfield in 2024. Moss was signed on a two-year, $8MM pact with a larger workload in store for Brown, a former fifth-round pick. Those two have been leaned in in the wake of Chris Evans‘ season-ending August injury, something which did not bring about a reunion with Samaje Perine or any other depth additions.
Brown’s explosiveness was named as a key factor for his ability to operate effectively in a tandem this year, although questions about his pass protection were raised. The 24-year-old Canadian will likely have ample opportunity to continue developing in that area if Moss misses considerable time leaving him alone atop the depth chart. Brown has racked up 577 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns this season.
Moss’ totals in both areas (429 and three) have been outpaced by Brown’s, but the former Bill and Colt has remained a key figure on offense for Cincinnati. His health will be an important storyline for the 4-5 Bengals as they look to continue their momentum from the past few weeks. Ahead of a quick turnaround, Moss’ status (like that of wideout Tee Higgins and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.) will be worth monitoring closely.
This is good for the Bengals. Brown should be the primary back and this forces Taylor to actually do that. Moss nor Brown could get it going when they shared snaps.