When will Leonard Fournette’s first appearance for the Bills be?
The most recent updates on the new Buffalo running back’s status against the Bengals…
The Bills are about to receive a boost in their backfield, but the question is when. Buffalo created quite a stir on Monday by adding former Jaguars and Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette to their roster.
While running back wasn’t a significant concern for the offense, with James Cook performing well as the Bills’ primary back this season, the injury to Damien Harris has made Fournette a valuable addition for coordinator Ken Dorsey.
Fournette, who earned the nickname “Playoff Lenny,” had a less-than-stellar year with the Buccaneers in 2022, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. However, he contributed 523 yards as a pass-catcher and has recorded four seasons with well over 1,000 scrimmage yards since entering the NFL in 2017.
The Bills need to make the playoffs before they can see the impact of “Playoff Lenny,” so they’re hoping that “regular season Lenny” will prove equally effective. Here’s the key information about when Leonard Fournette will make his debut for the Bills.
#Bills RB Leonard Fournette back at practice. #BillsMafia | #GoBills | #BuiltInBuffalo pic.twitter.com/pVp2CD5IGf
— Built in Buffalo (@BuiltInBuffalo_) November 2, 2023
When will Leonard Fournette’s Bills debut happen?
It’s currently unclear whether Fournette will be ready to play in Buffalo’s Sunday night game against the Bengals in Week 9, as he was recently signed to the practice squad.
The veteran participated in practices on both Wednesday and Thursday, indicating that he is on track to play soon. However, whether that debut will occur in Cincinnati remains uncertain.
No lie Buffalo colder than a penguin ass out here lord……..
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) November 2, 2023
Historically, there have been instances where players swiftly transitioned from being signed to the practice squad to becoming active members of the team, often just a procedural matter. Julio Jones recently did this with the Eagles, making his Philadelphia debut only five days after joining the practice squad.
Since Fournette hasn’t played this season, the Bills are working on getting him physically prepared and acquainted with the offensive system.
But there are more adjustments Fournette needs to make. Having spent his entire NFL career with Florida-based teams, he now faces the new challenge of adapting to the cold weather.
As for the Bills’ running back depth chart, they do have some healthy options, so Fournette may not be rushed into action.
- James Cook
Cook has assumed the role of the Bills’ primary back this season, and he has performed admirably. In eight games, he has rushed for 486 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and adding 192 yards as a receiver.
- Latavius Murray
Murray, on his sixth NFL team, has seen his age start to affect his performance this season. He’s averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, with just 15 yards on nine attempts over his last two games. Fournette may have been brought in with the expectation of surpassing Murray on the depth chart.
- Leonard Fournette
For now, Fournette will need to earn his playing time. He struggled with efficiency last season, but he has a strong track record and can make a significant impact in the passing game. However, even when fully integrated, there is no anticipation that Fournette will surpass Cook as the Bills’ primary back.
- Damien Harris
Harris was brought in to complement Cook after Devin Singletary’s departure but is currently on injured reserve due to a neck injury sustained against the Giants. Harris could return at some point, but with Fournette in the mix, he’ll face stiffer competition for snaps.
- Ty Johnson
If Harris does return, Johnson may be the odd man out. The former Jet has yet to touch the ball this season and has only played one offensive snap, though he has participated in 36 percent of the Bills’ special teams snaps.”
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