The Cincinnati Bengals' offense has struggled to meet expectations this season, leaving questions about whether the team can challenge for the AFC North title. Joe Burrow and his receivers have produced flashes of brilliance, but Cincinnati's running game has been less convincing.

The Bengals haven't been terrible on the ground, but they haven't consistently dominated either. That lack of explosiveness could become a serious problem if injuries strike, especially with Cincinnati already searching for greater consistency offensively.

Bengals reporter James Rapien believes the front office should consider adding another running back. He warned that the team's depth could quickly become a weakness if one of its key players goes down.

"One injury away from having the worst running back room in the league by far"

Rapien's concerns also recall Cincinnati's difficult 2023 season, when Burrow's wrist injury left backup Jake Browning to take over. The Bengals struggled to replace their franchise quarterback's production, illustrating how quickly a team's ambitions can unravel when depth becomes an issue. While adding a running back wouldn't solve every problem, it could give Cincinnati another reliable option.

Bengals Urged to Trade for Cam Skattebo

Rapien has proposed that Cincinnati pursue New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo after his role diminished dramatically in the team's loss to New Orleans. On First Word with James Rapien, he directly urged Giants head coach John Harbaugh to trade the young back to Cincinnati.

"I have an answer for you, John, and it's trade him to Cincinnati," Rapien said.

Skattebo could offer the Bengals another physical runner, although his recent struggles with efficiency and ball security remain concerns. There is currently no indication that the Giants and Bengals have discussed a trade, making this a proposal rather than an active deal.

Written by

Joseph Nithin