Starters and even key reserves tend to play little if at all in the final exhibition game, so the heavy usage for Jeremy Hill last night was surprising. Does this mean he's not viewed as a critical component in the Bengals' backfield this year?
Hill carried 20 times for 90 yards against the Colts, while also catching 6 passes for 70 yards. He was essentially an every-snap running back in the first three quarters, while Giovani Bernard, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cedric Peerman and Rex Burkhead didn't play.
But it looks like the Bengals didn't have much choice, with Green-Ellis (hip), Burkhead (knee) and Peerman (hip) all nursing injuries. After the game Marvin Lewis said Hill needs to know what it's like to be an NFL running back, and has to be able to shoulder the load if necessary. At one point Hill was sidelined with an elbow injury, but it wasn't a big deal; he was able to return.
The second running back chosen in May's draft, Hill looked good, with a quick first step and some power. Caught the ball well, too. He did blow a blitz pickup, but otherwise looked good.
Best guess at this point is that Green-Ellis gets cut on Saturday and Hill has that No. 2 role. There's debate over how big a role that will be behind Bernard; we'll have a better idea once the regular games begin. One beat writer thinks Hill could get 200 carries -- if that happens, Bernard won't have as large a role as expected. Green-Ellis had 220 carries last season.
It seems clear that if you select Bernard, you should throw a later pick at Hill to protect that choice. Should Bernard get hurt, it's possible Hill will have close to an every-down role.
--Andy Richardson