Help is on the way for the Bills' backfield, but when will it be available?
Buffalo made a splash on Monday ahead of Week 9, signing former Jaguars and Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette. Running back wasn't a major trouble spot for the offense, as James Cook has been efficient as the Bills' lead back this season. But with Damien Harris injured, Fournette gives coordinator Ken Dorsey an experienced weapon.
"Playoff Lenny" had an inefficient year with the Buccaneers in 2022, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, but he added 523 yards as a pass-catcher and has four seasons of well over 1,000 scrimmage yards since entering the NFL in 2017.
The Bills have to get to the playoffs before they unlock "Playoff Lenny," so they're hoping regular season Lenny is just as useful.
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Here's what you need to know about when Fournette will make his Bills debut.
When will Leonard Fournette make his Bills debut?
Fournette did not play in Week 9 against the Bengals and it is presently unclear whether he will play in the team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Broncos.
That said, Fournette posted a cryptic tweet that seemingly implied he would have a chance to play against Denver.
"My time coming," it read.
My time coming #Billsmafia
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) November 13, 2023
Fournette is currently on Buffalo's practice squad and he practiced with the team both ahead of their game against the Bengals and their game against the Broncos. That should give him a chance to suit up soon, be it in Week 10 or later on.
#Bills RB Leonard Fournette back at practice. #BillsMafia | #GoBills | #BuiltInBuffalo pic.twitter.com/pVp2CD5IGf
— Built in Buffalo (@BuiltInBuffalo_) November 2, 2023
Because it's often just a procedural move, there is precedent for a player jumping from practice squad signing to active part of the team in less than a week. Julio Jones just did exactly that with the Eagles, making his Philadelphia debut just five days after the team added him to the practice squad.
Since Fournette hasn't played this season, the Bills are likely working to get him up to speed physically while acclimating him with the offensive system. Thus, they can afford to keep him on the practice squad.
Those aren't the only adjustments Fournette has to make. After playing exclusively for Florida-based teams to start his NFL career — and playing in Louisiana during his college days at LSU — the cold is an entirely new battle.
No lie Buffalo colder than a penguin ass out here lord……..
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) November 2, 2023
Bills RB depth chart
The Bills have some healthy options at running back, so Fournette might not be rushed into action.
1. James Cook
Cook has taken over as the Bills' feature back this season, and the results have been strong. He's rushed for 486 yards and a touchdown in eight games, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and adding 192 yards as a pass-catcher.
2. Latavius Murray
The Bills are Murray's sixth NFL team, and his age has started to show this season. Murray is averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, including just 15 yards on nine attempts over his last two games. Fournette might have been brought in with expectations of him passing Murray on the depth chart.
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3. Leonard Fournette
For now, Fournette will have to earn snaps. He struggled with efficiency last season, but he has a successful track record and makes a meaningful impact in the passing game. Even when he's up to speed, however, there is no expectation that Fournette will pass Cook as the Bills' lead back.
4. Damien Harris
Harris was brought in by the Bills to serve as a complement to Cook following the departure of Devin Singletary, but he's currently on IR after suffering a neck injury against the Giants. Harris could return at some point, but he'll face stiffer competition for snaps with Fournette in the fold.
5. Ty Johnson
If Harris returns, Johnson is a candidate to be the odd man out. The former Jet has not touched the ball yet this season and has played only one offensive snap, though he has played 36 percent of special teams snaps for the Bills.