Bengals Bolster Backfield with Brightwell Addition
The Cincinnati Bengals have made strategic moves to address their backfield depth with the addition of Gary Brightwell to their practice squad. Brightwell, a familiar name in NFL circles, brings with him experience from previous stints with various teams, including the New York Giants and a brief preseason phase with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brightwell's NFL Journey
Drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Gary Brightwell quickly demonstrated his potential. During his tenure with the Giants, Brightwell logged 41 rushes, amassing 164 yards and scoring one touchdown. He also contributed 92 receiving yards from 11 catches. However, his promising journey hit a bump in the 2022 season when a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve, halting his progress.
After recovering, Brightwell's determination saw him in action during the recent summer, albeit briefly, with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Subsequent to this, he joined the Cleveland Browns in late August, adding depth to their practice squad. However, his tenure with the Browns was short-lived, and he was released on October 29. Now, with a spot on the Bengals' practice squad, Brightwell gets a chance at rejuvenating his career, particularly given the team's current needs.
Bengals' Backfield Challenges
The Bengals are addressing their roster after Zack Moss, a vital component of their running back unit, was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury. This development necessitated immediate reinforcements in the running game, propelling the Bengals to seek out available talent. Apart from Brightwell, the Bengals have demonstrated their commitment to strengthening the running attack by acquiring Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears, another shrewd move to bolster their options.
In addition to Brightwell and Herbert, the Bengals explored other options and conducted workouts with free agent Leonard Fournette. Fournette, known for his power and skill, was originally drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of LSU. His career has been marked by impressive performances, including two seasons surpassing 1,300 yards from scrimmage, with his standout 2019 season where he amassed 1,674 yards.
Leonard Fournette: A Proven Veteran
Fournette's journey in the league has seen several notable highlights. Despite being released by the Jaguars in the summer of 2020, he found a new chapter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing a pivotal role in their Super Bowl LV victory. His career statistics reflect his versatility and efficiency—4,518 rushing yards with 34 touchdowns, complemented by 312 catches for 2,219 yards and seven touchdowns.
Recently, Fournette had a short stint with the Buffalo Bills at the end of last season, primarily from their practice squad, making fleeting appearances in just two games where he managed 40 yards on 12 carries. Now a free agent, his name continues to surface in discussions when teams consider seasoned players who can provide immediate impact.
The Road Ahead
As the Bengals navigate through their current roster challenges, the inclusion of Gary Brightwell signifies a tactical move for depth and insurance. Despite his less prolific stats in comparison to some of his peers, Brightwell's addition is strategic, designed to provide reliable backup while assessing longer-term options for the Bengals' rushing department.
The Bengals’ front office remains vigilant, evident in their pursuit and evaluation of talent like Fournette, ensuring they are equipped for the rigors of the remaining season. Brightwell’s journey with the Bengals offers a fresh opportunity for him to carve out a more defined role in the NFL, while the team aims to solidify its playoff ambitions with these calculated roster enhancements.