In a significant roster move, the Cincinnati Bengals have added depth to their backfield by signing running back Gary Brightwell to their practice squad. This move comes amidst a series of roster adjustments aimed at bolstering their options as injuries continue to shuffle players on and off the field.
The Journey of Gary Brightwell
Brightwell, initially introduced to the NFL as a sixth-round pick by the New York Giants in 2021, has experienced a tumultuous journey in the league thus far. During his tenure with the Giants, he developed a reputation as a solid contributor, amassing 164 rushing yards and a touchdown on 41 attempts, coupled with 92 receiving yards on 11 catches. However, his momentum was significantly hindered by a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve during the 2022 season.
Brightwell's career path has led him to several teams in recent months. After a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars during a summer training camp, he signed on as a practice squad player with the Cleveland Browns in late August. His time with the Browns was short-lived, as he was released in late October, opening the door for Cincinnati to bring him onto their roster.
A Glimpse at Bengals' Backfield Strategy
The addition of Brightwell comes as part of a broader strategy by the Bengals' front office to address their backfield depth. The Bengals are currently dealing with the impact of losing Zack Moss, who is sidelined with a neck injury and has been placed on injured reserve. This has made adding versatile options like Brightwell a priority as they navigate the middle of the season.
In parallel with bringing Brightwell aboard, the Bengals made a notable acquisition by securing Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. This indicates the team's proactive approach in ensuring ample depth and talent within the running back position to sustain them through the rigors of the NFL season.
Leonard Fournette: A Veteran Option
Interestingly, the Bengals also conducted workouts with veteran running back Leonard Fournette, a move that underscores their intent to explore all available avenues for enhancing their offense. Fournette, drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars from LSU, has demonstrated impressive versatility and production throughout his career, highlighted by over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in two separate seasons and a standout performance in 2019 where he accumulated 1,674 yards from scrimmage.
Fournette's NFL journey has seen its share of ups and downs. Following his waiver by the Jaguars in 2020, Fournette played a pivotal role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV victory. He has built a substantial career portfolio, totaling 4,518 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, alongside 312 catches for 2,219 yards and seven touchdowns.
Last season, Fournette briefly joined the Buffalo Bills' practice squad and made appearances in two games, rushing for 40 yards on 12 carries. His pedigree and experience would provide the Bengals with an established veteran presence should they opt to bring him into the fold.
Building for the Future
As the Bengals adjust their lineup and adapt to ongoing challenges, the focus on acquiring players like Gary Brightwell and creating opportunities for workouts with veterans such as Leonard Fournette reflects a deliberate strategy. It underscores the importance of not just preparing for the present, but also fortifying the team for the unpredictable nature of an NFL season.
These moves demonstrate a keen awareness from the Bengals' management of the need for flexibility and depth. As the season progresses, the contributions of newly acquired players could make a substantial difference in the team's performance and resilience.
For fans and observers, the shifting dynamics within the Bengals' roster offer a glimpse into the calculated maneuvers teams must make to remain competitive. The unfolding narrative of Brightwell’s career will be one to watch as he seeks to establish his role within the Bengals’ lineup, while the potential addition of a seasoned player like Fournette could add another layer of intrigue to Cincinnati's evolving game plan.