Analyzing the Bengals' Recent Practice Squad Moves
The Cincinnati Bengals have been active in bolstering their practice squad roster with the recent addition of Gary Brightwell. Brightwell, who previously made his mark with the New York Giants, was drafted by them in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Giants, Brightwell demonstrated potential by accumulating 164 rushing yards on 41 carries and adding a touchdown to his record. He also contributed in the receiving game with 11 receptions for 92 yards.
Brightwell's journey in the NFL has been a testament to resilience. He faced a setback during the 2022 season when a hamstring injury sidelined him, ultimately placing him on injured reserve. Despite this, Brightwell’s determination propelled him towards new opportunities. Over the summer, he had a brief spell with the Jacksonville Jaguars during their training camp but did not make the final roster cut. Not long after, he found a place with the Cleveland Browns as a practice squad signing in late August, only to be released by the team on October 29.
The Strategic Moves
The Bengals have not only secured Brightwell but have also been busy evaluating their options in the running back position. The team managed to acquire Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears, looking for stability in the wake of Zack Moss's neck injury, which landed Moss on injured reserve. These maneuvers underscore the Bengals' intent on strengthening their depth as they navigate the ongoing challenges of the season.
Further complicating the landscape, the Bengals conducted workouts with veteran running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette, a fourth overall draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars from LSU, is no stranger to the demands of the league. He boasts an impressive career portfolio with over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in two different seasons, including a standout 1,674 scrimmage yards in 2019.
Leonard Fournette: A Veteran's Journey
Fournette's journey in the NFL has been a winding road. After being waived by the Jaguars in 2020, he found success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing a crucial role in their Super Bowl LV victory. His career numbers are reflective of his caliber, registering 4,518 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, accompanied by 312 catches for 2,219 yards and seven touchdowns in the receiving dimension.
Fournette’s latest chapter saw him joining the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad in late October of last season. His tenure with the Bills was brief, only appearing in two games where he rushed for 40 yards on 12 carries. These statistical contributions, albeit limited, highlight his experience and readiness to contribute further in the league.
The Bengals have shown a clear focus on enhancing their offensive depth and versatility, a necessity in the ever-competitive AFC landscape. This strategic assembling of proven talents like Brightwell and the potential addition of a seasoned player like Fournette marks a conscientious effort by the Bengals to fortify their roster amid the unpredictable nature of a grueling NFL season.
The integration of players with diverse backgrounds and skills is fundamental for a well-rounded squad, and the Bengals’ management seems committed to paving the way for greater adaptability and success. While the coming weeks will reveal how these acquisitions materialize on the field, the Bengals appear poised to tackle the challenges ahead with renewed determination and strategic insight.