Thomas Rawls Signs Bengals Contract, Tra Carson Waived

The Cincinnati Bengals announced Wednesday the signing of veteran running back Thomas Rawls and the release of running back Tra Carson. 

Rawls, 25, spent his first three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, rushing for 1,336 yards and seven touchdowns in 34 career games. 

He showed immense promise in his rookie season, rushing for 830 yards and four touchdowns in relief duty for Marshawn Lynch. But injuries limited him in the past two seasons, costing him 11 games. 

Rawls ultimately signed on with the New York Jets this offseason, though he was cut in early September. 

In Cincinnati, he'll join a backfield group of Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard, though the former is expected to be out two or more weeks after having a procedure done on his knee. That left the Bengals seeking depth after Carson suffered a hamstring injury and was waived. 

Rawls will battle with Mark Walton for backup duties behind Bernard.