Bengals Add Depth to Their Squad with Brightwell Signing
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a strategic move by signing Gary Brightwell to their practice squad, bringing in a versatile player with prior NFL experience. Brightwell, who has previously donned the New York Giants jersey, offers a robust option for the Bengals backfield, especially in a season marred by injury woes.
Brightwell's Journey from Giants to Bengals
Originally drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Brightwell showcased a knack for adapting to the league's demands. During his tenure with the Giants, he recorded 41 rushes for 164 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, he proved his mettle as a receiver out of the backfield with 11 receptions tallying 92 yards. His progress, however, was hindered by a hamstring injury in the 2022 season, which saw him placed on injured reserve.
Following his recovery, Brightwell had a short but promising stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the training camp this past summer. Even though he displayed potential, it wasn’t long before he found himself in the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns by late August. His stay there was cut short as well, culminating in his release on October 29. Now, with a new opportunity in Cincinnati, Brightwell aims to make a significant impact.
Bengals' Strategic Acquisitions Amidst Injury Concerns
Brightwell's signing comes at a time when the Bengals are actively looking to reinforce their roster, particularly following Zack Moss's unfortunate neck injury that has led to him being placed on injured reserve. The Bengals have also acquired Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears, further highlighting their intent to bolster the backfield.
The team hasn't stopped there. In its bid to strengthen their ranks, the Bengals conducted workouts with seasoned veteran Leonard Fournette. Fournette, a former top draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, has an impressive record that includes over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in two separate seasons and a career highlight of 1,674 yards in the 2019 season. Despite this illustrious past, Fournette found himself on the move last season, joining the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad in late October and making a couple of game appearances.
Fournette’s Resilient Path
Leonard Fournette's journey in the NFL is one marked by resilience. Waived by the Jaguars in the summer of 2020, he bounced back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing a crucial role in their Super Bowl LV victory. With career statistics boasting 4,518 rushing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 312 catches for 2,219 yards along with seven touchdowns, Fournette remains a formidable free agent.
His brief time with the Buffalo Bills saw him register 40 rushing yards on 12 carries over two games. Such adaptability and skill set have made him a valuable asset for any team in search of a seasoned backfield presence.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals, with their mix of tactical signings and evaluations, appear focused on overcoming their current injury challenges. Gary Brightwell's addition brings potential energy and depth to the squad, while the prospect of integrating Leonard Fournette could add significant prowess to their options.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how these strategic acquisitions play out and to what extent they can influence the Bengals' quest for success. With such calculated moves, Cincinnati's management reflects a commitment to adaptability and competitiveness in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL.