Bengals' latest roster move opens the door for sixth-round pick to make a name for himself during his first training camp

Moss, who signed as a free agent last offseason, suffered a season-ending neck injury last year during his eighth game. He amassed 242 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 72 attempts before his 2024 season concluded. 

It's unclear whether or not Moss is simply not ready to practice yet due to his injury, he failed his physical upon reporting, or something else. All that's known is he will not be practicing with the rest of the team when camp begins.

The Bengals reworked Moss' contract back in April, giving him cash upfront in exchange for a smaller salary should he make the team. He was a possible salary cap casualty entering the offseason, so sticking around for a pay cut was the compromise.

A few days later, Cincinnati used its sixth and final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft on another running back, and an interesting storyline now comes into picture with Moss missing the start of camp.

Tahj Brooks can take advantage of Zack Moss landing on NFI list

Brooks was drafted 193rd overall in the sixth round, following 18 other running backs to come off the board. He joined a backfield in Cincinnati with a clear starter and two veteran backups already ahead of him.

Now that one of those veterans is unable to practice, Brooks has an edge on the competition. 

Brooks will slot right in as RB3 behind starter Chase Brown and backup Samaje Perine, who signed back with the club in March after leaving two years ago. Brooks may even get some reps with the second-string as Perine is more of a known commodity who should feel safe in terms of making the 53-man roster. 

Safety is not necessarily what Brooks is after either. He was drafted to make the team and will be given every chance to do so. Exposure is what he can achieve as the third running back instead of the fourth if Moss were healthy. He can even start pushing Perine for RB2 duties. 

No matter how it shakes out, learning from Perine on the field and Moss off the field should be a boost for the 23-year old regardless.

"I take all parts of their games," Brooks told Bengals.com's Michael Hull. "That's something I cherish about the vets in my room."

He may even take their jobs before long.