There is plenty to be said about rushing success in the NFL beginning up front, but you still need to have a capable and diverse stable of running backs for an efficient running game. The loss of Eric Steinbach and injuries to Levi Jones, Willie Anderson, and others left the Bengals with a patchwork offensive line last season. Still, there is plenty of concern at the running back position.

The glimmer of hope could be former first round pick Chris Perry, who is finally at 100% following an ankle injury suffered late in the 2006 season.

Head coach Marvin Lewis said last week that Perry will be on the field the team opens mini-camp on Tuesday.

Perry has had a tough time staying on the field in his brief career due to a variety of injuries, but is only 26 years old and has far less mileage than current starter Rudi Johnson.  Ever since he dropped 20 pounds Johnson has not been the same back and may never be again.

The team surprised many when they failed to use one of their 10 draft picks on a running back. There was talk that they may had hometown favorite Shaun Alexander and the former NFL MVP was cut by the Seahawks. However, a deal with Alexander is unlikely from the Bengals according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

If Perry can prove healthy he can contribute to the offense in many ways and could even become the feature back. Expect Kenny Watson (793 RuYd in '07) and DeDe Dorsey to also have roles within the offense.