Bengals Bolster Practice Squad with Addition of Gary Brightwell
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a strategic move to strengthen their roster by signing running back Gary Brightwell to their practice squad. Brightwell, who most recently spent time with the Cleveland Browns' practice squad, brings a blend of youth and experience to Cincinnati's lineup.
Brightwell's journey through the NFL has been characterized by persistence and adaptability. Originally drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Brightwell compiled a solid, if not spectacular, set of statistics during his tenure there. Over two seasons, he rushed 41 times for 164 yards and scored a touchdown. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by catching 11 passes for 92 yards.
However, Brightwell's journey hit a roadblock during the 2022 season. A hamstring injury curtailed his progress and landed him on injured reserve, an unfortunate setback for any player striving to cement their position in the NFL. Despite that, Brightwell remained resilient. He briefly joined the Jacksonville Jaguars during training camp the following summer, indicating his continued determination to find a permanent NFL home.
A Brief Stint in Cleveland
With the start of the new season, Brightwell's efforts led him to the Cleveland Browns, who added him to their practice squad in late August. Yet, his stint in Cleveland was short-lived, as the team released him on October 29. This release, however, opened the door for a new opportunity with the Bengals.
The Bengals' decision to sign Brightwell comes amid a backdrop of injuries and roster changes within their team. Notably, running back Zack Moss is currently sidelined with a neck injury and has been placed on injured reserve, thereby intensifying the need for depth at the running back position.
Khalil Herbert and Leonard Fournette: Additional Backfield Options
Apart from signing Brightwell, the Bengals have been proactive in exploring other options to enhance their running game. They recently acquired Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears, further adding to their backfield depth. Herbert, known for his agility and vision, presents another dynamic threat in the Bengals' offensive scheme.
The Bengals' active pursuit didn't stop there. They conducted workouts with veteran running back Leonard Fournette, eyeing an experienced hand to possibly invigorate their rushing attack. Fournette, drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars from LSU, has an impressive resume. He recorded over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in two separate seasons, including a standout 2019 season where he amassed 1,674 yards.
Fournette’s experience extends beyond regular season success. He was instrumental in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV victory, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stage. Despite a brief and modest stint with the Buffalo Bills last season, where he appeared in just two games, Fournette remains a valuable asset given his career totals of 4,518 rushing yards, 34 touchdowns, 312 catches, and 2,219 receiving yards.
Though Fournette's addition remains speculative, the Bengals are clearly taking steps to ensure they have ample backfield resources. Whether Brightwell becomes a key component or a depth piece, his addition is a testament to the Bengals' commitment to fortifying their lineup.
In a league where competition is fierce and rosters are ever-evolving, Gary Brightwell’s move to the Bengals underscores a narrative of resilience and adaptability. His journey reflects the challenges and unpredictabilities of a professional sporting career while offering a glimpse of the persistence required to succeed in the NFL. As the Bengals navigate through their season, Brightwell could find himself with valuable opportunities to contribute and possibly redefine his NFL trajectory.