Samaje Perine Has Clear Lead in Bengals' Backup Running Back Battle

 Samaje Perine served as the Bengals' backup running back behind Joe Mixon last season. It sounds like it's his job to lose again in 2022. 

"Samaje is solid in those areas where he’s a good security blanket for us. He knows what to do with the ball in his hands. Good at pass protection," head coach Zac Taylor said on Monday. 

Some thought second-year back Chris Evans could take Perine's job in training camp. 

"We’re always pushing that but there’s a ways to go there," Taylor assed. "He’s (Perine) certainly got a leg up in that battle but that’s what training camp is for. Plenty of times guys step up and have huge growth and we’ll see where it goes. There’s always competition at all of those spots to earn playing time."

Perine certainly has the trust of the coaching staff in pass protection. That's a major key for Evans if he's going to push for the backup spot. 

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.