On Friday, the Bengals announced the cut of running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Green-Ellis rushed for over 1,700 yards in the past two seasons with the Bengals.
The move by the Bengals was predictable after the drafting of LSU running back Jeremy Hill. Hill carried the load in the Bengal’s final preseason game, carrying the ball 20 times for 90 yards.
“It’s very difficult to release such a fine player and person as BenJarvus,” coach Marvin Lewis said. “He has been an exceptional player and teammate, as well as mentor to our younger players. He has also been a standout person in the community. We thank Bennie for all he has done and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Green-Ellis was sharing time with Bengals’ starter Giovani Bernard. If you were a fantasy owner of Bernard, it was very frustrating to see him share carries with Green-Ellis. Hill looks to be taking over that spot that Green-Ellis had.
Jeremy Hill had a nice game, touching the ball for nearly half of the Bengals’ plays.
The 6' 1", 238-pound Hill said, “I kind of figured I would be getting a big work load today. It’s part of it. I just have to get myself in better shape. On one of those drives I got a little tired. But for the most part, I got my wind back and started finishing runs. It’s something I can hang my hat on.”
Green-Ellis will land on another roster this season. He has plenty of carries left in his legs and would provide solid depth at running back to a team in need of it, even if he was only a third string player.