Gary Brightwell: Everything you need to know

The Bengals signed Brightwell to a reserve/future contract Monday. Brightwell spent the entire 2025 regular season on the Bengals' practice squad after failing to make the team's 53-man roster at the end of training camp. He was elevated to the active roster for Weeks 12 and 13 against the Patriots and Ravens, respectively, and over those two games he returned four kickoffs for 83 yards. Brightwell will participate in offseason activities with the Bengals and look to compete for a spot on the active roster for the 2026 campaign.

Brightwell reverted to the Bengals' practice squad Friday, per the NFL's official transaction log. Brightwell played six snaps on special teams in Thursday night's win over the Ravens and returned three kickoffs for 59 yards. He's now appeared in two games for Cincinnati this season.

The Bengals elevated Brightwell from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Thursday night's game against the Ravens. With Tahj Brooks (concussion) ruled out for Thursday's game, Brightwell will serve as the Bengals' RB3 behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. Brightwell played six snaps on special teams during the Bengals' Week 12 loss to the Patriots, when his lone return on a kickoff was returned for 24 yards.