According to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, rookie running back Joe Mixon may see 20-plus touches as soon as Week 1.
Per Hobson, “Mixon is the real deal. I think you have to think about him as a 15-to-20-carry-a-game guy with three to five catches. Right away. Sept. 10. Vs. Baltimore.”
Hobson also said to exercise caution, however, referencing a previous situation with another star rookie running back:
“Corey Dillon was drafted 20 years ago. Let’s not celebrate that anniversary by repeating history, when Dillon barely played his rookie year until the 10th game even though he was clearly the best back on the team.