Dehner Jr. reports that following a frustrating Week 4 rushing performance from Chase Brown, the Bengals found success in Week 5 with a downhill rushing attack featuring Samaje Perine. Perine’s 14 carries for 68 yards dramatically eclipsed Brown’s 13 carries for 39 yards. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher acknowledged that the team’s rushing scheme will influence the workload split moving forward, potentially threatening Brown’s 72.8% Opportunity Share.

The Bengals will likely use their bye week to evaluate what worked in Week 5 and put both backs in situations that play to their strengths. Perine out carried the more explosive Brown 14-13, rushing for 68 yards (4.9 YPC) compared to Brown’s 39 yards (3.0 YPC), while also finding the end zone through the air. A more defined role could benefit Brown’s efficiency, but expect Perine’s opportunity share to increase. Perine is an intriguing roster addition coming out of the bye.