The Cincinnati Bengals' roster endured a significant blow during a joint practice with the Chicago Bears as running back Chris Evans was ruled out for the entire 2024 season due to a torn patella tendon.
This setback is particularly impactful considering Evans' dual role on the team, affecting not only their running back rotation but also their kick return game. Selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft from Michigan, Evans sustained the injury during a kickoff return on Thursday. The injury's severity was immediately apparent, necessitating the use of both a cart and an air cast.
Approximately ten minutes after Evans' injury, the Bengals faced another concerning moment when offensive tackle D'Ante Smith was also carted off, further highlighting the brutal and unpredictable nature of football.
The Impact on Depth and Special Teams
Even before this unfortunate incident, Evans' position on the Bengals' 53-man roster was not guaranteed. He was listed behind Zack Moss, Chase Brown, and Trayveon Williams in the depth chart. Over his three-season tenure with the Bengals, Evans appeared in 34 games, making one start. Despite his limited role, his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game had made him a valuable asset.
Last season, Evans served as the primary kick returner for the first half, averaging 21.1 yards per return, a key statistic that underscored his importance to special teams. Throughout his career, he recorded 19 carries for 89 yards and caught 19 passes for 188 yards, adding three touchdowns to his production profile.
A Significant Setback
With Evans sidelined, the Bengals face a need to reconfigure their backfield and special teams strategy. They will likely have to lean more heavily on their current roster of running backs and may need to scout for additional talent to cover his roles, especially in the kick return unit.
The injury occurring in a practice setting rather than a game scenario underscores the sport's often ruthless nature. Evans now faces immediate surgery followed by extensive rehabilitation, leading into an uncertain future. His absence will undeniably test the Bengals' depth and resilience as they strive to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
This development adds another layer of challenge for the Bengals, promising a season that will demand adaptability and robust performance from their remaining squad members. The road ahead for the Bengals will be arduous, yet it offers an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void left by Evans.