BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Giovani Bernard are going to combine for a one-two punch in the backfield in 2013 and there's a good chance that Bernard, in the absence of Brian Leonard, will take over the team's third-down back duties. Last year the Bengals had four running backs on the active roster -- Green-Ellis, Leonard, Cedric Peerman and Daniel Herron -- and with two spots already gone, there are only two left. Who will get them?
Locks:
Giovani Bernard, BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Everyone Else:
Bernard Scott:
Scott is a very talented back who was supposed to be the speed out of the Bengals backfield in 2012, but he was injured and unable to carry the ball more than eight times in 2012. This has been an issue for Scott in the past. While he has shown he has what it takes to carry the ball between the tackles and on the outside, he has had durability issues. The Bengals re-signed him on a one-year deal, but after the addition of Giovani Bernard, there's a good chance that Scott finds himself on the outside looking in. He has shown he can be a good return specialist at times, though.
Rex Burkhead:
Burkhead was selected in the sixth round in 2013 and is arguably one of the most popular players in Nebraska football history. He is also one of the most productive running backs to come out of Nebraska as well. He's a high-character guy who made national news with the friendship he forged with a young cancer patient, Jack Hoffman, and his scouting report says he's similar to Mewelde Moore and he's capable of producing in a committee at the NFL level.
Cedric Peerman:
Peerman stepped in at times in 2012 for Green-Ellis and played well. His contributions to the Bengals have been mostly on special teams, but he did carry the ball 36 times for 258 yards and a touchdown in 2012. As far as special teams go, Peerman is one of the most productive players on the team.
Daniel Herron:
Daniel "Boom" Herron was selected out of Ohio State in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. He carried the ball four times for five yards in 2012 and did most of his on-field work on special teams. He blocked a punt against the Eagles on the road in December.
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Of these four running backs, the Bengals are likely only going to keep two on the active roster. Will they attempt to maximise their rushing attack or will they try to keep their best special teams players on the roster?
Which two will they keep?