The Cincinnati Bengals quietly have a shakeup coming to the running back room in Week 11 when they play against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With veteran running back Samaje Perine hurt and unable to go, late-round rookie Tahj Brooks could be in line for some notable snaps in Joe Flacco’s backfield.
At first glance, this doesn’t appear to be a big deal. Perine was primarily used as a pass-blocking presence. Brooks could be in a similar role.
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But things could change in a hurry in Pittsburgh. Perine took 19 passing snaps during the Steelers game earlier this season. Along the way, he took seven carries for 31 yards. While that happened, starter Chase Brown rushed 11 times for 108 yards (9.8 average).
Beyond the wear and tear of a running back spot that could help Brooks see more than expected work, though, it’s also important to consider he could get a ton of check-down looks while the Bengals line struggles against the likes of T.J. Watt on the road.
This isn’t saying grab Brooks in fantasy football right away. But he’s a name to monitor, especially with Perine on the shelf for what could be an extended bit after a hip-drop tackle that got a defender fined by the NFL.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals injury could create fantasy football sleeper to watch
