Bengals' Joe Mixon: Listed third on depth chart

Mixon is listed third on the Bengals' depth chart at running back entering Week 1 against the Ravens, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

This was to be expected with the Bengals bringing back veterans Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard this season. It doesn't mean Mixon won't also have a big role, and it's quite possible he quickly becomes the lead runner if he outplays Hill early in the season. Bernard actually seems to have the most secure role due to his prowess as a pass catcher, though Mixon was dangerous as a receiving threat during his college career at Oklahoma and could eventually also challenge Bernard. The Cincinnati backfield will need to be monitored carefully this season, starting with difficult matchups against the Ravens and Texans (Week 2).