The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly exploring all options to keep their 2024 playoff hopes alive, including bringing in Super Bowl-winning running back Leonard Fournette.
As the Bengals fight to make a postseason run, both head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow may find a valuable addition in the seasoned veteran who once secured a championship alongside Tom Brady.
Per NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Bengals are set to work out Fournette on Monday. The 29-year-old, known for his championship pedigree from Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could be a strategic signing for Cincinnati, likely as a practice squad option. This move reflects the Bengals’ urgency in adding depth and experience, especially after recent injuries in their backfield.
After his Super Bowl run in Tampa Bay, Fournette’s career took him to the Buffalo Bills, though his time there was brief, with just two appearances in Josh Allen’s offense before being released in January. A former first-round pick out of LSU in 2017, Fournette was a dominant force for the Jacksonville Jaguars before landing in Tampa. The Bengals hope his experience could bring some needed support to Joe Burrow and ease the team’s reliance on its current running backs.
The Bengals have struggled with injuries this season, including the recent indefinite absence of Zack Moss, which has intensified the team’s need for backfield depth. Cincinnati already addressed their rushing concerns by acquiring Khalil Herbert before the trade deadline, but Fournette’s skill set could provide Taylor with an additional versatile option.
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With Fournette potentially in the mix, the Bengals are keeping their options open in building a more balanced offense. Though the running back’s production has waned in recent years, his ability to step up in big games—especially in the playoffs—could prove invaluable for a Bengals team eager to make a push as the season nears its end.
Along with offensive reinforcements, the Bengals are actively working on defensive improvements. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Cincinnati is hosting former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard for a workout. The 31-year-old cornerback has been available since his release by Miami in March and brings an impressive resume with four Pro Bowl selections from his eight-year career in South Florida. Known for his playmaking ability, Howard could offer a significant boost to a Bengals defense that has faced its fair share of struggles in 2024.
Currently sitting at 4-6 and third in the AFC North, Cincinnati’s defense has been under scrutiny, having allowed 262 points this season—among the highest in the conference. Only the Jacksonville Jaguars, who rank last in the AFC South, have conceded more points. By adding Howard, the Bengals would gain a veteran presence in the secondary, aiming to shore up a defense that has yet to hit its stride.
The Bengals’ playoff hopes may be uncertain, but Taylor and his coaching staff are determined to maximize their roster’s potential. Fournette, with his championship experience, could become a key asset if the Bengals decide to make him a permanent addition. Howard, meanwhile, represents a commitment to tightening up a defense that has been susceptible to big plays.
For Bengals fans, the signings of Fournette and possibly Howard indicate that the front office is committed to making the necessary moves to compete in a challenging AFC North. With games ahead that could make or break their season, these experienced additions might be just what Cincinnati needs to stay competitive in their push for the playoffs.
