Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Jamal Haynes ripped off a 39-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of his team’s preseason win over the Eagles, a play so impactful it landed at No. 2 on NFL Network’s list of top rookie plays from the preseason that wrapped up August 29. Talk about making a statement right out of the gate!
The Scintillating Scamper
This wasn’t just any preseason score; Haynes’s incredible burst came against the Philadelphia Eagles, in Philadelphia, on August 28, and it was the kind of highlight reel stuff that makes you rewind the DVR. We’re talking about a run that had analysts tripping over themselves trying to describe it. For a rookie to pull off something like that and get recognized among the league’s best early plays? That’s serious business.
Life-Changing Yards
CBS color analyst Ross Tucker didn’t hold back when he saw it, saying he wasn’t exaggerating when he declared, “That guy might’ve just made at least somebody’s practice squad by this run. That is an incredible run. Somebody’s gotta put him at least on their practice squad, right? After that run right there? Goodness gracious Jamal!” Tucker even acknowledged the challenge for smaller players in the league, noting, “There’s not a lot of 5-foot-7 guys in the NFL. Good for him. He might’ve just changed his life right there. Man, I’m happy for him.” A 5-foot-7 back making that kind of statement with 39 yards is a huge deal, proving you don’t need to be huge to make huge plays.
That one 39-yard play on August 28 clearly put Jamal Haynes on the map for NFL teams looking to fill out their rosters. Is it enough to secure a practice squad spot, maybe even more? Ross Tucker sure thinks so, and after a run like that, who are we to argue?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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