Bengals Bolster Practice Squad with Running Back Additions
The Cincinnati Bengals' front office has been busy reshaping their backfield depth, notably with the recent signing of Gary Brightwell to their practice squad. Brightwell, a dynamic running back with a blend of power and agility, brings with him a complex history, having been a key component to the New York Giants before a string of team changes and an unfortunate injury.
Brightwell's Journey
Gary Brightwell, originally drafted by the Giants in the sixth round in 2021, showed promise with solid performances during his tenure in New York. Accumulating 164 yards on 41 rushes and adding a touchdown to his stats, Brightwell also proved instrumental in the passing game with 11 receptions for 92 yards. However, his growing career hit a bump in the 2022 season when a hamstring injury sidelined him on injured reserve — a common yet frustrating setback for professional athletes.
After recuperating, Brightwell explored opportunities beyond the Big Apple, experiencing a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars during their summer training camp. In late August, the Cleveland Browns added him to their practice squad. But, in the realm of professional sports where rosters are in constant flux, Brightwell found himself released by the Browns on October 29. Now, as a Bengal, he has a new opportunity to showcase his abilities and perhaps rekindle his career trajectory.
Challenges in the Bengals' Backfield
The Bengals' decision to sign Brightwell is part of a strategic response to current challenges in their running back rotation. Zack Moss, another vital component of their ground game, is currently out of action due to a neck injury, having been placed on injured reserve. This absence underscores the importance for the Bengals to have sufficient depth and versatility in their running back corps.
Adding to their calculus, Cincinnati recently acquired Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears, a move likely intended to infuse more talent and adaptability into the lineup. Meanwhile, the Bengals have shown interest in veteran Leonard Fournette, conducting workouts to potentially leverage his extensive experience and accolades into the team dynamic.
Leonard Fournette: A Potential Game-Changer
Leonard Fournette's career marks him as one of the more compelling free agents available. Drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of LSU, Fournette made a name for himself early on by achieving over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in two different seasons. During the 2019 season, he reached a peak performance with 1,674 yards of total offense, making him one of the league's top talents at running back.
Despite an unexpected release by the Jaguars in the summer of 2020, Fournette found redemption with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played a significant role in their Super Bowl LV victory. Throughout his career, Fournette has recorded impressive statistics, including 4,518 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns, along with 312 receptions for 2,219 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
In recent developments, Fournette had a brief term with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad late last season, appearing in two games where he rushed for 40 yards on 12 carries. As the Bengals assess their options, Fournette’s ability to impact both the running and passing games makes him a tantalizing prospect.
A Strategic Path Forward
As the Bengals pursue stability and success in the competitive NFL landscape, their focus on strengthening the running back position is evident. Signing Brightwell to the practice squad and evaluating options like Fournette suggest a proactive approach to ensuring depth despite injuries and performance variances.
Navigating mid-season challenges is critical for any team with playoff aspirations. The Bengals, through adept player movements and strategic signings, aim to solidify their chances of maintaining momentum despite the hurdles they may encounter. Whether Brightwell becomes a pivotal asset in Cincinnati or Fournette joins and revitalizes the roster, the Bengals’ maneuvers highlight their commitment to adapt and excel amid the ever-evolving nature of professional football.