The Cincinnati Bengals are making strategic moves to bolster their roster amidst a slew of injuries that have tested their depth this season. In a recent move, the Bengals signed former New York Giants running back Gary Brightwell to their practice squad, a decision that could have significant implications for their running game.
A Fresh Opportunity for Brightwell
Gary Brightwell, initially drafted by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, is looking to prove his worth in Cincinnati. His time with the Giants was marked by moderate success, as he managed 41 rushes for 164 yards and a touchdown, alongside 11 receptions for 92 yards. However, his momentum was derailed in the 2022 season when a hamstring injury resulted in a stint on injured reserve.
After recovering, Brightwell traversed the league, with a brief appearance in the Jacksonville Jaguars training camp last summer before ultimately signing with the Cleveland Browns. His time with the Browns, however, was short-lived as he was released on October 29, leaving the door open for the Bengals to bring him into their fold. This move could be seen as a win-win: a fresh start for Brightwell and an opportunity for the Bengals to infuse fresh energy into their running back roster.
Bengals’ Backfield Reinforcements
The acquisition of Brightwell isn't the Bengals' only move to secure their backfield. With Zack Moss sidelined due to a neck injury that landed him on injured reserve, the Bengals took proactive steps by acquiring Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. Moreover, their interest in adding veteran presence is evident, as they conducted workouts with Leonard Fournette, a seasoned veteran known for his explosive plays and dynamic presence on the field.
Leonard Fournette, the imposing back once drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of LSU, has built an impressive career marked by powerful rushing and receiving capabilities. With two seasons of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage and a career tally of 4,518 rushing yards coupled with 34 touchdowns, Fournette offers extensive experience. His 2019 season alone was remarkable, boasting 1,674 yards from scrimmage.
Fournette's Road and Recent Ventures
Fournette's journey has seen its ups and downs, including a waiver from the Jaguars in the summer of 2020. However, he quickly rebounded, making a crucial contribution to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their Super Bowl LV triumph. Despite his proven track record, the spotlight is now on his future as he seeks new opportunities.
Last season, Fournette briefly joined the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, where he appeared in two games, adding 40 yards on 12 carries to his statistics. His ability to adapt and contribute in varied roles – accumulating 312 catches for 2,219 yards and seven receiving touchdowns over his career – makes him an attractive asset for any team seeking to enhance their offensive options.
Looking Ahead
As the Bengals navigate these midseason adjustments, the integration of players like Brightwell and potentially Fournette underscores their commitment to depth and versatility in their lineup. For Cincinnati, each signing carries the hope that the bolstered squad can sustain and amplify their performance beyond the constraints of injury impacts.
In the ever-competitive AFC, the Bengals' tactical moves could be instrumental in sustaining their push towards the playoffs. As the new signings get acclimated, all eyes will be on how these changes impact Cincinnati’s run game dynamics in the weeks to come.