The Buffalo Bills have made a significant move by signing running back Leonard Fournette to their practice squad, according to a league source. This signing comes as the Bills look to address their running back situation due to an injury to Damien Harris. Here’s everything you need to know about the signing and its implications for the team.
Fournette, 28, was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March after a productive season in 2022. He recorded 668 rushing yards and a career-high 523 receiving yards, helping the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl in 2020. Before his time with the Buccaneers, Fournette spent his first three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2017 and 2019.
The Bills’ decision to sign Fournette comes as they deal with Harris’ neck injury, which has landed him on injured reserve. In Harris’ absence, James Cook and Latavius Murray have been splitting carries in the past two weeks. However, the Bills have been missing a powerful presence at the line of scrimmage and in the running game without Harris. Head coach Sean McDermott values a strong running game and believes Fournette can provide that physicality when he’s activated on the 53-man roster.
While Cook has shown promise and versatility in recent games, he still needs to improve his blitz pickup skills. This opens the door for other running backs to see playing time. Murray has been handling third-down work due to his pass-protection abilities, but his rushing performance has declined in recent games. Fournette’s addition brings a blend of short-yardage power and pass-catching ability, making him a well-rounded option for the offense.
It’s worth noting that Fournette’s signing to the practice squad could be a precursor to him joining the active roster soon. The Bills may use this week as a slow ramp-up period for Fournette to get acclimated physically and learn the playbook, as he hasn’t been on a roster since the 2022 season. The team currently has an open spot on the active roster after placing tight end Dawson Knox on injured reserve. The upcoming trade deadline could also present an opportunity for the Bills to add another player to the roster.
In conclusion, the Buffalo Bills have made a strategic move by signing Leonard Fournette to their practice squad. With Damien Harris sidelined due to injury, Fournette brings much-needed power and versatility to the running game. While James Cook has shown promise, Fournette’s addition provides a boost in short-yardage situations and pass-catching ability. It remains to be seen when Fournette will join the active roster, but his signing to the practice squad suggests that it could happen in the near future. The Bills’ decision to bring in Fournette demonstrates their commitment to strengthening their running game and making a push for success in the AFC East.