Cincinnati Bengals Boost Practice Squad with New Signing
The Cincinnati Bengals have fortified their practice squad by signing running back Gary Brightwell. This roster move punctuates a series of strategic decisions made by the Bengals to bolster their depth at the running back position.
Brightwell, previously with the New York Giants, enters the Bengals' organization carrying a history that demonstrates potential, albeit marred by challenges. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Brightwell's stint with the Giants saw him contribute 41 rushes for 164 yards and score one touchdown. He also added 11 receptions for 92 yards, indicating a dual-threat capability that can be vital for the Bengals as they maneuver through an arduous NFL season.
However, Brightwell's path has not been without its hurdles. A hamstring injury in the 2022 season landed him on injured reserve, an ailment that can decidedly stymie the progress of a burgeoning NFL career. Despite this, Brightwell's resilience has been evident as he continued his journey through the league, including a brief tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars during their summer training camp.
Most recently, Brightwell was associated with the Cleveland Browns' practice squad, signing in late August. His tenure there was short-lived, as he was released on October 29. The Bengals, seizing the opportunity to strengthen their running back options amidst current injuries, promptly added Brightwell to their lineup.
Running Back Vacancies and Recent Acquisitions
The Bengals' need for running back reinforcements has been heightened by Zack Moss's neck injury, which has resulted in his placement on injured reserve. To address this void, the team has not only brought in Brightwell but has also acquired Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. These moves underscore the Bengals’ commitment to maintaining a robust and competitive backfield as the season progresses.
Further adding to their exploration of options, the Bengals have conducted workouts with veteran running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette, a renowned figure in the league, was originally drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Louisiana State University (LSU). Over his career, Fournette has twice exceeded 1,300 yards from scrimmage in separate seasons, with a standout 2019 season amassing 1,674 yards. His tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is highlighted by his pivotal role in their Super Bowl LV triumph, bolstering his reputation as a big-game performer.
Fournette's more recent NFL journey saw him spend a brief period on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad toward the end of last season, where he featured in two games and rushed for 40 yards on 12 attempts. While he did not make a substantial impact during this time, his career statistics are impressive, boasting 4,518 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, complemented by 312 receptions for 2,219 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite being waived by the Jaguars in the summer of 2020, Fournette’s track record positions him as a valuable asset for any team seeking experienced and versatile offensive depth.
For the Bengals, the inclusion of Gary Brightwell and the potential addition of a veteran like Fournette offers much-needed insurance as they contend with the physical demands and unpredictabilities of the NFL season. It remains to be seen how these strategic maneuvers will pan out, but one thing is clear: the Bengals are not resting on their laurels as they aim to chart a prosperous course through the league.