In a bid to bolster their roster, the Cincinnati Bengals have added a familiar name to their practice squad, signing former New York Giants running back Gary Brightwell. Brightwell, who was drafted by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has had a career marked by moments of promise interrupted by injuries and team changes.
Brightwell's Journey
Brightwell's time in New York showcased his potential, evidenced by his contribution of 41 rushes for 164 yards and a touchdown, alongside 11 receptions for 92 yards. Unfortunately, his momentum was hampered by a hamstring injury during the 2022 season, which saw him placed on injured reserve. Determined to return to form, Brightwell continued to pursue opportunities across various teams.
This past summer, Brightwell had a brief involvement with the Jacksonville Jaguars during training camp before signing with the Cleveland Browns as part of their practice squad in late August. His tenure with the Browns, however, was short-lived, as he was released on October 29. Despite these challenges, the Bengals see potential in Brightwell to add depth to their running back unit.
Bengals’ Recent Moves
The addition of Brightwell comes amidst a period of strategic roster adjustments for the Bengals. The team is currently managing the absence of Zack Moss, who has been sidelined with a neck injury and is on injured reserve. This situation has prompted the Bengals to explore various options to strengthen their offensive lineup.
In addition to signing Brightwell, the Bengals made a notable acquisition by bringing in Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. Herbert's arrival aims to enhance the team's versatility and effectiveness in the running game. Moreover, the Bengals recently conducted workouts with veteran running back Leonard Fournette, indicating their proactive approach to evaluating talent that can contribute immediately. Fournette, a seasoned player with a significant track record, drew interest due to his past performances, including over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in two separate seasons.
The Impact of Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette's career has been both prolific and dynamic. Drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars from LSU, Fournette quickly made a name for himself in the NFL. In the 2019 season alone, he amassed 1,674 yards from scrimmage, underscoring his dual-threat capability as both a runner and receiver. Despite being waived by the Jaguars in the summer of 2020, Fournette went on to play a crucial role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV victory, showcasing his ability to perform under the brightest lights.
Most recently, Fournette had a stint with the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad late last season, making appearances in two games and rushing for 40 yards on 12 carries. His career statistics are impressive, with 4,518 rushing yards, 34 touchdowns, 312 catches for 2,219 yards, and seven touchdowns. The Bengals’ interest in Fournette speaks to their desire for proven playmakers who can provide immediate impact.
Looking Forward
As the Cincinnati Bengals navigate the complexities of the current NFL season, their roster adjustments highlight a strategic commitment to depth and versatility. Adding players like Gary Brightwell and evaluating seasoned veterans such as Leonard Fournette underscore the team's intent to remain competitive and agile in a challenging league. Whether these moves translate into on-field success will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the season progresses.