The Cincinnati Bengals had a horrible first half against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and running back Chase Brown was nowhere to be found.
Brown, who has been a major part of the Bengals’ offense, just didn’t have any solid gains as the Vikings rolled to a 34-3 halftime lead over Cincinnati.
What’s Happening with Chase Brown?
In the first half alone, Brown had only three yards on seven carries. Early in the second half, he had nine carries for six yards. Obviously, that’s not good enough for Cincinnati on a day that they needed all of their offensive guns going full steam. Brown also has two catches for 11 yards out of three targets.
But in his first two games this season against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns, Brown totaled 37 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown.
The Bengals are struggling to get the ball to their best players.
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown have been non-factors. That can’t be the case on the road, without Joe Burrow. pic.twitter.com/a2Q0ySTSwE
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) September 21, 2025
While Bengals fans are upset to see him not contribute to the Cincinnati offense, they might be more upset knowing that Brown probably will get more carries. Why? Cincinnati has lost another running back for this game. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, “Bengals RB Samaje Perine has a right thumb injury and his return today is questionable.”
Brown is in his third season with the Bengals, having 310 carries for 1,259 yards and eight touchdowns. Now it’s important to remember that the Bengals are without starting quarterback Joe Burrow, who is out for three months after going through surgery for a turf toe injury.
Jake Browning got the call for Cincinnati at quarterback on Sunday, but he’s just not been able to deliver as much as Burrow can when he’s on the field. By the third quarter, Browning was just 11-of-17 passing for 70 yards and one interception. The Vikings’ defense has sacked Browning twice, but the second half might offer them many more opportunities.
In order for Cincinnati to even get back into the game against Minnesota, Brown will need to improve on his first-half numbers immediately. The Bengals are down a lot, so calling Brown’s number is going to be imperative for the Cincinnati offense.
Can Cincinnati head coach Zach Taylor get his offense in gear? Bengals fans are watching this game roll out and are not happy online. So, for Cincinnati, it’s go time.
