Cincinnati Bengals Sign Former Giants and Browns Running Back Gary Brightwell

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move to bolster their backfield by signing former New York Giants and Cleveland Browns running back Gary Brightwell to their practice squad. This move comes as the Bengals continue to seek stability and depth in their running game[2][3][4].

Gary Brightwell, who was drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, brings a mix of speed and physicality to the Bengals. During his time with the Giants, Brightwell saw limited playing time but demonstrated his potential in special teams and as a reserve running back[5].

The Bengals’ decision to sign Brightwell follows a workout with another veteran running back, Leonard Fournette, although the team opted not to sign Fournette after the session. This indicates the Bengals’ ongoing effort to evaluate and strengthen their running back corps[2][4].

Brightwell’s addition to the practice squad provides the Bengals with an experienced player who can contribute in various roles, including on special teams and as a backup runner. His versatility is expected to be an asset as the team navigates the remainder of the NFL season[3][5].

The move also reflects the Bengals’ proactive approach in addressing their backfield needs, ensuring they have a robust and competitive roster as they aim to make a strong push in the league.