Who is Gary Brightwell? Get to know the Bengals' newest running back and what he brings to the team

Brightwell now gives the Bengals 16 players on their practice squad after running back Kendall Milton was signed to the active roster two weeks ago. 

The Bengals brought in Brightwell and several others to workout this morning, including cornerback Xavien Howard and running back Leonard Fournette. Per Schultz, Fournette will not join Brightwell on the practice squad, and barring a corresponding move, Brightwell will be the only new addition for the Bengals this week.

Who is Gary Brightwell?

Brightwell, who played four years at Arizona in college, was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He spent his first three seasons in New York, carrying the ball a total of 41 times for 164 yards and a touchdown. The vast majority of his production came in 2022 when he played in all 17 games for the Giants.

Brightwell was waived by New York this offseason after appearing in just seven games in 2023. He suffered a hamstring injury during OTAs and was eventually let go with an injury settlement in June. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed him during training camp and played him throughout the preseason, rushing for 100 yards on 26 attempts in three exhibitions.

The Jags waived Brightwell ahead of final cuts and the Cleveland Browns signed him to their practice squad. The Browns eventually signed him to their active roster played him in Week 3 and 4 on special teams (20 snaps total) before waiving him and re-signing him back to the practice squad. He would be released and added back again before being released one last time on October 29. 

In total, Brightwell has taken 637 special teams snaps and just 146 offensive snaps in his career, with 2022 being his most active season. 

The Bengals were interested in Brightwell and Fournette because Zack Moss' injury impacted the depth at the position. They traded for Khalil Herbert last week and now have four active backs along with Brightwell now on the practice squad. 

Bengals' updated running back depth chart

• Chase Brown 
• Khalil Herbert
• Trayveon Williams
• Kendall Milton
• Gary Brightwell (practice squad)

NFL rules state that Brightwell can be elevated up to three times to the Bengals' active roster.