Indianapolis running backs coach DeAndre Smith recruited McGowan during Smith’s time at Texas Tech, built a relationship with McGowan that
gave him conviction about the player’s desire to rebuild the life he almost let slip away. The Colts decided they believed in McGowan’s road back. Enough to give him a chance to compete for a backup job behind Jonathan Taylor, a role that has remained unfilled since Zack Moss left in free agency. “He adds a real physical element at running back,” Ballard said.
Nathan Jahnke·
Samaje Perine mixes in with the Bengals' starters: Perine returned to his usual role as the Bengals’ third-down back. Chase Brown ended last season consistently playing over 80% of Cincinnati's offensive snaps once Zack Moss was injured, and the team didn’t have faith in Khalil Herbert or the other backups. The Bengals surprisingly moved on from Moss last week despite restructuring his contract three months ago. Cincinnati brought in reinforcements this offseason, bringing back Perine, who had served as a passing-down back under this regime from 2020-2022, and sixth-round rookie Tahj Brooks. Brown started the game and played 12 of 16 snaps with the starters. Perine took the only third down of more than one yard, as well as three other plays in clear passing situations. Brooks did not play with the starters, but he was the clear runner with the second team. Perine continued to play sparingly with the backups on third downs.
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