Rookie running back Jeremy Hill gives Bengals a much-needed boost with big games

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) carries as New Orleans Saints inside linebacker David Hawthorne (57) tackles in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. The Bengals won 27-10. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis) (The Associated Press)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) carries as New Orleans Saints nose tackle Brodrick Bunkley (77) tackles in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Bill Haber) (The Associated Press)

CINCINNATI – Jeremy Hill didn't expect to get much of a chance as a rookie because the Cincinnati Bengals had Giovani Bernard entrenched as the starter at running back. With Bernard hurt, the second-round pick has emerged.

Hill ran for 152 yards during a 27-10 win at New Orleans on Sunday, his second big game. He also ran for 154 yards against Jacksonville earlier this season. He leads all NFL rookies in rushing.

Hill joined Paul Robinson as the only Bengals rookies with a pair of 150-yard games. Robinson did it in 1968, the franchise's inaugural season.

Bernard returned to practice on Wednesday. It's unclear whether he'll play on Sunday at Houston (5-5). The Bengals (6-3-1) lead the tightly packed AFC North.

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