Tyrell

Sutton

Sutton has flashed NFL-caliber talent during his stint with the Panthers. In fact, he almost certainly has more burst than Cedric Benson. But the stubborn Bengals are likely just kicking the tires here in case Benson or Bernard Scott go down. Also trying out for the Bengals Tuesday: RB James Davis, RB Shaun Draughn, DT Derek Landri, and NT Gabe Watson.

Sutton spent the 2011 season out of football after being among Carolina’s final cuts. Once well thought-of around the league, Sutton was considered a one-cut zone system runner coming out of Northwestern. He should have a chance to crack Seattle’s 2012 roster as a No. 3 back/special teamer.

Seattle ate a $100,000 signing bonus to cut Lutui, who failed to excel in Tom Cable’s zone scheme. He’s much more of a man-to-man power blocker. Sutton, 25, gained 59 yards on seven preseason carries with three catches.

Former Clemson S DeAndre McDaniel is another somewhat big name getting a look. Sutton was a productive running back at Northwestern and flashed in previous preseasons, but he’s 26 now and on his last NFL legs. He’s an extreme long shot to earn a job behind Reggie Bush, Mikel Leshoure, and Joique Bell.

Sutton had his tires kicked by the Bengals and that’s likely what the Niners are doing here. The one-cut runner hasn’t generated quite the interest we thought he would after being waived by the Panthers.

Jackson hurt the ankle on Friday against the Cardinals and it turns out the injury is much worse than originally thought. DeShawn Wynn and Tyrell Sutton will get the bulk of the carries in the final preseason game as the backups to Ryan Grant.

The move may indicate concern about Jonathan Stewart’s ongoing Achilles’ soreness. Stewart is questionable for Week 1. Sutton was productive in the Packers’ preseason, but won’t unseat explosive rookie Mike Goodson for the No. 3 tailback job anytime soon. He’s simply insurance in Carolina.

The undrafted rookie out of Northwestern had a big camp, but it wasn’t enough. The cut is a surprise as the Packers had been talking up Sutton and they also cut Kregg Lumpkin Saturday. Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn are Ryan Grant’s only backups.

Lumpkin was a favorite of coach Mike McCarthy, but he has trouble staying on the field and has fallen well behind DeShawn Wynn. Sutton, at 5'8/213, offers more versatility and a different skill set than the other backups.

Tyrell Sutton, a standout in Packers camp, will be active as the third running back and kick returner.