Running back Joe Mixon started the season off strong for the Cincinnati Bengals before going down with a knee injury that required minor surgery. Before the injury, Mixon looked great and the Bengals' offense was much more lethal. Now, they are just waiting until he can return to the field.

According to a report from Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Mixon has not been medically cleared this week, but will for sure play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.

Getting Mixon back on the field will be a major plus for the Bengals. Andy Dalton has been playing well this season, but the Bengals need to have a legitimate ground attack. Giovanni Bernard is a quality running back, but Mixon is an every-down workhorse that gives Cincinnati another level to their offense.

In the first two games of the season, Mixon racked up 179 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries. He also caught six passes for 57 yards.

Those numbers show exactly the kind of impact that Mixon has on the Cincinnati offense. He averages 4.7 yards per carry and is a capable weapon out of the backfield as well. Mixon is able to open up the passing game for Dalton and A.J. Green, and he  grind out the tough yardage that every team needs to win football games.

At 22 years old, Mixon is the present and future for the Bengals in the backfield. Cincinnati is 3-1 on the season, and getting their young star back on the field will simply make them even stronger.