Tahj Brooks: Everything you need to know

Brooks rushed 16 times for 45 yards and caught one of two targets for nine yards across 16 regular-season games in 2025. Additionally, he tallied 258 kick-return yards. The 2025 sixth-round pick from Texas Tech logged just 47 offensive snaps while playing behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine during the 2025 season. However, Brooks was a valuable contributor on special teams, logging the third-most kick return yards on the Bengals while averaging 25.8 yards per return. Both Brown and Perine remain under contract for 2026, so Brooks will likely play another depth role in Cincinnati's backfield next year.

Brooks carried the ball three times for 10 yards and had one catch for nine yards late in the Bengals' win over the Cardinals. Brooks didn't come into the game until late, with Joe Flacco at the helm and the Bengals protecting a four-score lead. He's had scant work all season as the Bengals' third running back.

Brooks (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills. Brooks was a full practice participant Thursday and Friday, suggesting he's cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in time to suit up Sunday. Now fully healthy, the rookie from Texas Tech is likely to contribute on special teams while playing behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine in the Bengals' backfield.