Cincinnati Bengals Starter Exits Game With Vikings Due to Injury, Won't Return

MINNEAPOLIS — Bengals running back Samaje Perine has a right thumb injury and won't return to Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Perine fumbled late in the first half of Sunday's game in Minnesota. The Vikings have a 34-3 halftime lead.

Look for Chase Brown to continue to lead the backfield with Perine out. Rookie Tahj Brooks could get some snaps.

Second Quarter Meltdown

The Bengals had a chance to get back into the game against Minnesota on Sunday. They got the ball back with 2:52 left in the half trailing 17-3.

Cincinnati had a chance to get points and build some momentum going into halftime. Instead, they dropped the ball. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers forced a Noah Fant fumble and returned it 66 yards for a touchdown.

Ja'Marr Chase fumbled two plays later. The Vikings scored another touchdown to take a 31-3 lead. Then, Perine topped it off with another fumble. Minnesota settled for a field goal on that possession to take a 34-3 halftime lead.

Despite miscues early in the half, the Bengals had a chance to grab some momentum. The opposite happened.

They fumbled on three of their final four offensive snaps of the first half. The Vikings scored 17 points on those three turnovers. They have 24 first half points on turnovers. The Bengals turned the ball over four times in the first half—two of those turnovers were returned for touchdowns.

Cincinnati is in danger of falling to 2-1 on the season.

The Bengals last four offensive snaps of the first half:

Lost Fumble (Returned for TD)
9-yard pass
Lost Fumble
Lost Fumble

The Bengals trail the Vikings 34-3 at halftime. pic.twitter.com/RGogCalwyW
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) September 21, 2025

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