Bengals Bolster Depth with Brightwell Signing
In a strategic move to address their roster depth, the Cincinnati Bengals have added running back Gary Brightwell to their practice squad. This addition brings fresh energy to the Bengals, poised for a significant push as they adapt to mid-season challenges and injuries.
Brightwell, who previously made a mark with the New York Giants, enters this new phase of his career following a stint that ended with the Cleveland Browns. His journey in the NFL began when the Giants selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. During his time with the Giants, he logged 41 rushes for 164 yards, along with a touchdown, and caught 11 passes for 92 yards. Despite these contributions, his trajectory was hindered by a hamstring injury in 2022, which landed him on injured reserve. The recovery journey has been challenging, but Brightwell’s determination remains unshaken.
After his release by the Giants, Brightwell sought new opportunities, showcasing his talent in brief spells during training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His perseverance led him to join the Cleveland Browns' practice squad in late August, only to be released on October 29. The Bengals' decision to bring him aboard suggests a potential resurgence in his career, offering him a chance to leverage his skills in a new environment.
Addressing Depth Amid Injuries
The Bengals are confronting challenges as they grapple with injuries in their running back department. Zack Moss, a critical player for the team, is currently sidelined with a neck injury and has been placed on injured reserve. This situation prompted the Bengals' front office to look for viable solutions that could complement their existing lineup. Brightwell's signing aims to fill this gap, but he won't be the only new face in the Bengals' running backs room.
Continuing their quest for depth and versatility, the Bengals recently acquired Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. Additionally, they evaluated options by conducting workouts with veteran running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette, known for his robust record and dynamic playing style, brings an impressive resume. He was drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars from LSU and has consistently showcased his ability to accumulate yards, boasting over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in two distinct seasons. His standout performance in 2019, when he amassed 1,674 yards, underscores his caliber as a player capable of turning games.
Fournette's Journey: A Seasoned Athlete on the Move
Fournette's career reflects both triumphs and transitions. His tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars ended with a surprise waiver in the summer of 2020, after which he found a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There, his contributions were instrumental in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV victory, marking a high point in his professional journey. Drawing from a career that includes 4,518 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, along with 312 catches for 2,219 yards and seven touchdowns, Fournette remains a viable asset for NFL teams looking for experience and adaptability.
Last season, Fournette was briefly part of the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, where he made a couple of appearances, rushing for 40 yards on 12 carries. This stint was another chapter in his career characterized by his ability to adapt and perform in varying situations.
As the Bengals integrate these new talents into their squad, the moves underline a proactive approach to maintaining competitiveness in a demanding NFL landscape. By balancing the introduction of emerging talents like Brightwell with the seasoned prowess of players like Herbert and a potential boost from exploring options like Fournette, the Bengals demonstrate strategic foresight in their roster management.
While the exact roles these players will assume remain to be seen, the signings highlight the Bengals' commitment to fortifying their squad for the remainder of the season. As the rest of the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these roster changes impact the Bengals' performance on the field, as they strive to overcome the challenges of injuries and position themselves as formidable contenders.