Jacques Patrick makes his push for a roster spot

The Cincinnati Bengals started off their preseason with a 19-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The projected starters only played about one possession, and Joe Burrow didn’t play at all.

However, the preseason is a great chance to get some of the other guys much needed reps and to make decisions on who will fill out the final roster spots.

One player that stood out and made his push for a roster spot is running back Jacques Patrick.

In the victory, Patrick led the Bengals is carries (15) and racked up 71 yards, averaging 4.7 yards a carry. He also had a long run of 24 yards.

Patrick also picked up six yards and a first down on a 3rd-and-2 play that would’ve sealed it for the Bengals with a minute to play, but it was called back for holding.

“Jacques [Patrick] finished the game for us. Was strong there in four minute (offense),” said Zac Taylor after the game. “That’s the kind of style of runner he is. He really wears down a defense that way, so I thought those two guys (Chris Evans and Jacques Patrick) showed really well in the run game.”

Early in 2020, Patrick played with the XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers where he rushed 60 times for 254 yards and two TDs.

He then made the move from the XFL to the NFL where he spent the 2020 season on the Bengals’ practice squad which was considered his rookie season.

Now entering his 2^nd year in the league, Patrick is looking to make the Bengals’ final roster and so far, he has made a strong case through one preseason game.

The Bengals will be in action again Friday night when they travel to face the Washington Football Team in their second of three preseason games. Friday’s game will kick off at 8:00 pm ET.