A former sixth-round pick of the 2021 draft class, Evans missed all of the 2024 season due to a torn patellar tendon. Pelissero reports Evans is “full-go now,” as the former Michigan man looks to earn a chance to compete for a 53-man roster spot this offseason. Evans has seen light work as a pro, rushing just 19 times for 89 scoreless yards in his career while adding another 19 catches for 188 yards and three scores. He also has experience as a kick returner (14 career kick returns), which could increase his chances at earning a longer look.

It’s a career-threatening injury for the career backup in Cincinnati. Evans was not in the mix for regular touches, but his loss thins the depth in an already shaky backfield.

The injury occurred during a kickoff coverage drill in a joint practice with the Bears. The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. reports moments later, that Bengals backup T D’Ante Smith “went to the ground screaming in pain.” An air cast was applied to his left leg before the cart took him away. Both players were reportedly on the roster bubble and their seasons are now in jeopardy. Evans’ 90 rushing yards and 154 receiving yards from his 2021 rookie season remain his career-best single-season totals.

It’s been a rough year for reserve Evans. He has been active only eight times, garnering three touches. This is probably his final season as one of the Bengals’ running back reserves.