It’s what Zac Taylor is hoping he can be and why immediately after drafting Chris Evans in the sixth round, Taylor asked him to watch film of Giovani Bernard in pass protection.

Evans followed his coach’s orders and quickly realized the opportunity he has in front of him.

“I know that’s gonna be a big part of my success,” Evans said. “However long I play in the NFL if you can pass protect just like how Gio did, you can hang around for a long, long time, especially if you can run routes. I took pride in that especially after I had that conversation and I was just like that’s what I’m gonna do. And Joe after the play was like ‘good block.’ And I was like ‘hey, that’s what I’m here for. I just gotta take pride in that and keep pushing and keep striving to get better.”

Related players: Samaje Perine, Joe Mixon

Evans got his shot when Perine went on the COVID list, and he took full in Week 6. The story said if Evans continues to make the most of his opportunities when they come, he could become what the old No. 25 was to the current Bengals. It's key for fantasy owners because the oft-injured Mixon saw Bernard take over as the team's RB1 when Mixon was out before this season, and that means Evans could eventually be the handcuff to Mixon at the very least. For now, he could play a big role in the passing game.

Bengals HC Zac Taylor told reporters Friday that RB Joe Mixon (ankle) will get his normal workload Week 6 against the Detroit Lions.

That's great for Mixon after an odd Week 5 that saw Samaje Perine get a lot of work despite Mixon being active. Perine is not expected to play (COVID-19) so expect Mixon to see 100% of the carries and majority of receiving work.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury.

Mixon was able to log a limited session on Wednesday, so the missed practice here is a concern. However, Mixon is known for playing through injuries and should be cleared for Week 6 if he can be at least a limited participant in tomorrow's practice. With that said, it will be hard for him to be as effective as he would be if he was closer to full health. Mixon is currently our 13th ranked running back for a tremendous Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Placed G Jackson Carman and HB Samaje Perine on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related players: Joe Mixon, Chris Evans

It remains to be seen what Perine's status will be for Week 6. With Mixon battling an ankle injury, Perine caught four balls for 24 yards and a TD against the Packers this past week. If Perine can't dress for Week 6, and Mixon is still dealing with his injury, Evans could emerge as fantasy relevant, especially in a matchup against the Lions in Week 6.

Bengals RB Joe Mixon (ankle) is questionable for Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers.

Relared Players: Samaje Perine, Chris Evans

Safe to say Mixon is capital 'Q' questionable for Week 5. Samaje Perine would presumably be the lead rusher should Mixon sit out.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury.

It was initially feared that Mixon was week-to-week with the ankle injury, but the team refuted that, suggesting that Mixon's injury is more of the day-to-day variety. Whatever the case, Mixon has now missed the first two practices of the week and will likely need to practice in some fashion on Friday to be cleared for this weekend's contest against the Green Bay Packers. Samaje Perine and Chris Evans are expected to split touches if Mixon is ruled out.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine is likely to be used in a committee if Joe Mixon misses any games.

While some fantasy managers may have expected Perine to step into a featured role if Joe Mixon misses any time with injury, the more likely scenario appears to be Perine on early down and rookie Chris Evans on third downs. Evans is a former receiver with good route running skills and may prove to have a higher weekly floor due to his involvement in the passing game and insulation from gamescript. Mixon is dealing with an ankle injury and will likely need to practice in order to be cleared for Week 5. This is a situation for fantasy managers to monitor.

Despite not practicing Wednesday, Bengals HC Zac Taylor said RB Joe Mixon (ankle) is day-to-day.

Mixon was considered week-to-week prior to Wednesday but is now potentially in play Week 5 against Green Bay. Mixon's practice time matters on if he plays and if he shares his workload with Samaje Perine and Chris Evans.

But speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon, Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor disputed the report, saying Joe Mixon is more day-to-day.

Related players: Samaje Perine, Chris Evans

Earlier on Monday, and as we reported, an ESPN report indicated Mixon is week-to-week with an ankle injury suffered against the Jaguars last Thursday, putting his Week 5 status in doubt. But this is at least some good news he could go in Week 5. Perine and Evans could also factor in more if the team doesn't want to give Mixon a big workload if he's not 100%. It will be worth monitoring this week and checking out the injury report on Wednesday.

Bengals’ RB Joe Mixon was diagnosed with a low-grade ankle sprain that will leave him week to week, per source.

Related players: Samaje Perine, Chris Evans

It was reported Mixon sat out the team's final drive on Thursday night against the Jags, and now it adds up as Mixon is dealing with a sprain. Perine touched the ball four times on that final drive and had also seen time on third down. If Mixon has to miss time, Perine could certainly see an uptick on touches and snaps. Evans would be next up and likely would be a factor in the game plan as well if Mixon is out.