Bengals Bolster Backfield Amid Injuries and Strategic Acquisitions
The Cincinnati Bengals are revamping their running back depth chart with a series of strategic moves as they navigate the treacherous mid-season waters. The latest addition to the Bengals' practice squad is Gary Brightwell, a player who brings potential and depth to the team.
Brightwell, a former New York Giants tailback, joins Cincinnati following a somewhat nomadic journey through the league this past year. Originally drafted by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Brightwell showcased his versatility at New York, recording 41 rushes for 164 yards and a touchdown, alongside 11 receptions for 92 yards. Despite a promising start, his progress took a hit during the 2022 season, as a hamstring injury sidelined him, resulting in a stint on injured reserve.
After his time with the Giants, Brightwell experienced brief engagements with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cleveland Browns. At Jacksonville, he spent time training during the summer camp, though did not secure a long-term spot, leading to his subsequent signing with the Browns' practice squad in late August. However, his tenure with Cleveland was short-lived, ending with his release on October 29.
As the Bengals face their own set of injury woes, Brightwell's arrival offers them a needed cushion. Notably, the loss of Zack Moss due to a neck injury, which landed him on injured reserve, has left a gap in the Bengals' backfield rotation that Brightwell may help to fill.
Exploring Further Options
Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of NFL seasons, Cincinnati also acquired Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears, another move aimed at reinforcing their running game. Yet, the Bengals are not stopping there. They have also conducted workouts with Leonard Fournette, a seasoned veteran with notable achievements.
Fournette brings an experienced touch to the table, having been drafted fourth overall by the Jaguars from LSU. His career is marked by standout seasons, including two in which he surpassed 1,300 yards from scrimmage, culminating in a career-high of 1,674 yards in 2019. Known for his dual threat capabilities, Fournette has 4,518 rushing yards with 34 touchdowns and 312 receptions accumulating 2,219 yards and seven touchdowns.
The former Jaguar had a notable impact during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing a crucial role in their Super Bowl LV victory. However, his journey has seen shifts, such as being waived by the Jaguars in the summer of 2020 and spending time with the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad late last season. With Buffalo, Fournette made brief appearances in two games, contributing 40 yards on 12 carries, before being released.
The Bengals’ decision to explore Fournette's potential via workouts indicates a willingness to mix proven talent with fresh options like Brightwell and Herbert. This blend of strategic acquisition is pivotal as the team aims to maintain competitiveness amidst inevitable injuries and roster adjustments that challenge even the sturdiest NFL franchises.
Strategic Depth for a Demanding Season
As the Bengals approach the season's midpoint, these acquisitions and assessments of talent reflect a proactive approach in managing their roster dynamics. By strengthening their running back options, Cincinnati appears committed to ensuring that their offensive game remains versatile and effective. These moves are indicative of the broader NFL trend where adapting to the rigorous nature of the sport is key to both short-term and long-term success.
With Brightwell joining their ranks and the potential inclusion of Fournette still a possibility, the Bengals are crafting a backfield capable of both filling immediate gaps and potentially adding strategic diversity to their offensive schemes. Watching how this mix of experience, resilience, and potential will play out promises to be an intriguing narrative as the Bengals continue their 2023 campaign.