Bengals RB Zack Moss acknowledges he has 'big shoes to fill'

The Bengals made the surprising decision to part ways with their franchise's third all-time leading rusher this offseason.

Cincinnati sent Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans for a 2024 seventh-round pick.

In response, the Bengals signed veteran running back Zack Moss in free agency to help fill Mixon's shoes, but he knows it will not be an easy task.

"I've never been in a position where you come in after a guy who's had so much success and means so much to the fanbase," Moss said, via Laurel Pfahler of the Dayton Daily News. "I remember watching Joe, just throughout the league, college and stuff like that. ... I think it is big shoes to fill in that sense of things."

Moss hasn't had the numbers Mixon has had in his career, but he is coming off his best season yet. In 2023, the 26-year-old rushed for a career-high 794 yards and five touchdowns. He also registered 27 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

However, Moss knows the weight of Cincinnati's backfield will not be fully on his shoulders. He expects to share it with running back Chase Brown, a fifth-round pick in 2023.

"We're definitely two different types of backs," Moss added. "Like I said, he's crazy fast. But, you know, I think that will play a good role in the offense, keeps the defense on its feet, heels, whatever. And then, you get guys fresh all year long, things like that. So, like I said, I'm looking forward to continuing to build that chemistry."

Brown didn't have a ton of production as a rookie, rushing for 179 yards while also making 14 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown. Still, it is reasonable to expect him to make a jump in Year 2 with an increase in his workload.

It won't be easy for the Bengals' new running back duo to fill Mixon's shoes, but Moss thinks they will give each other a great opportunity to do so.

"I mean, most of my career, I've pretty much split time with somebody else regardless, and I think that's kind of where the league is really right now," Moss concluded. "I think when you got two backs, it makes it a little easier."