Brightwell Finds New Home with Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have bolstered their practice squad by signing Gary Brightwell, a familiar name to NFL aficionados, who previously made his mark with the New York Giants. Brightwell, who was selected by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, brings with him a blend of promise and previous professional experiences.
In his tenure with the Giants, Brightwell showcased his versatility on the field. Over his stints, he recorded 41 rushes accumulating 164 yards and a touchdown, while also proving himself as a viable option in the passing game with 11 receptions for 92 yards. However, Brightwell’s journey hasn’t been devoid of challenges. The 2022 season saw him grapple with a hamstring injury that ultimately placed him on injured reserve, a setback that stymied his contributions to the Giants' efforts.
Post-Giants, Brightwell's career saw a series of brief engagements. This past summer, he was part of the Jacksonville Jaguars' training camp, and later, he joined the Cleveland Browns as a practice squad player in late August. Despite the opportunity with the Browns, Brightwell's tenure was short-lived, culminating in his release on October 29. The Bengals, recognizing an opportunity to add depth and potential to their roster, swiftly moved to acquire him.
Bengals' Roster Adjustments
Brightwell's signing is part of a series of strategic maneuvers by the Bengals to address their current roster needs. Zack Moss, a notable rusher for the team, is currently sidelined with a neck injury and has been placed on injured reserve, creating a void that the Bengals are actively seeking to fill. In a parallel move, the Bengals also acquired Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears, signifying a decisive effort to enhance their backfield options.
Moreover, the Bengals recently conducted workouts with veteran running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette, a former first-round pick drafted fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars from LSU, brings a wealth of experience and achievement. His career highlights include two seasons with over 1,300 yards from scrimmage, including a standout 2019 season where he amassed 1,674 yards from scrimmage. Fournette has also contributed significantly in the passing game, with 312 catches for 2,219 yards and seven touchdowns throughout his career.
Fournette’s Career Journey
Fournette's journey through the NFL has been marked by both triumph and transition. After making a name for himself in Jacksonville, he was waived by the Jaguars in the summer of 2020. He then played a pivotal role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV victory, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable postseason performer.
Last season, Fournette found himself on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad towards the end of October. Despite limited appearances, he made the most of his opportunities, rushing for 40 yards on 12 carries across two games. Throughout his career, Fournette has accumulated 4,518 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, statistics that attest to his impact on the field.
As the Bengals continue to shape their squad amid the evolving dynamics of the NFL season, the integration of players like Gary Brightwell and Leonard Fournette could prove crucial. Both players bring a unique skill set and a wealth of experience that could aid the Bengals in navigating the challenges ahead.
The re-entry of Gary Brightwell into the NFL fray with the Bengals signifies a potential turning point in his career. For now, the Bengals' faith in untapped potential, combined with strategic acquisitions, appears to be driving their pursuit of sustained competitive form.