Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Tue 1/16/24 5:35 PM

The Bills cut Fournette from their practice squad Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
EDGE Analysis
Fournette provided depth behind lead back James Cook in Week 16 when Ty Johnson was out with a shoulder injury and again Week 18 when Latavius Murray was a healthy scratch. The Bills then left Fournette on the practice squad for the wild-card round of the playoffs, with Johnson serving as the No. 2 RB and Murray the No. 3 in a 31-17 win over Pittsburgh. Fournette turns 29 on Thursday and will need to battle for a roster spot next summer if he wants to continue playing in the NFL.

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Mon 1/8/24 8:01 PM

Fournette reverted to the Bills' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
EDGE Analysis
Fournette was elevated for two of the final three games of the regular season, and in those appearances Week 16 at the Chargers and Week 18 in Miami, he combined for 12 carries for 40 yards. On Sunday, he even got more snaps (16-13) than fellow running back Ty Johnson behind starter James Cook (48 of 78) while Latavius Murray was a healthy scratch, signaling Fournette may be the top reserve option at the position heading into the postseason. Fournette's next chance to suit up is this coming Sunday against the Steelers in the wild-card round.

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Sat 1/6/24 4:06 PM

Fournette was elevated to the Bills' active roster Saturday.
EDGE Analysis
Fournette didn't play in the Week 17 win over the Patriots, but the playoff-tested back appears ready to see some work in a win-and-in scenario come Sunday night. The veteran will likely split time with Latavius Murray and Ty Johnson when the Bills spell starting back James Cook.

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Mon 12/25/23 1:34 AM

Fournette rushed five times for 20 yards and was not targeted in the receiving game in Buffalo's 24-22 win over the Chargers on Saturday. He also returned one kickoff for 17 yards.
EDGE Analysis
Perhaps Playoff Lenny, who was elevated from the practice squad earlier in the day, was brought up with just that in mind, as the Bills are fighting hard for a postseason spot. James Cook is the main back in this offense, but it now seems pretty open for backup work between Fournette, Latavius Murray and Ty Johnson (shoulder). Fournette looked strong and fresh in his limited work, and the coaching staff has to like the fact that he volunteered for return duty. We'll see if this continues as the Bills try to win their final two games to seal a playoff berth, while it's worth noting that Murray did not receive a carry Saturday and Johnson missed the contest.

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Sat 12/23/23 3:11 PM

The Bills are elevating Fournette from the practice squad for Saturday's game against the Chargers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Fournette has been on Buffalo's practice squad since Oct. 30, but the veteran running back is likely to finally make his Bills debut in Saturday's Week 16 matchup. The Bills have been more reliant on the ground game in recent weeks, and while Fournette likely isn't a threat to James Cook's lead role, he could mix in as a backup option alongside Latavius Murray and possibly Ty Johnson (shoulder).

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Fri 11/17/23 11:43 AM

Coach Sean McDermott said Friday that calling Fournette up from the practice squad will be a "big-time consideration" in the weeks ahead, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
While McDermott didn't rule out the possibility of it happening for Sunday's game against the Jets, it sounds more likely to occur later in the season, with the coach noting Friday that Fournette is still learning the offense. The Bills primarily have used James Cook and Latavius Murray in the backfield this year, with Damien Harris occupying a small role Weeks 1 through 6 before he suffered a neck injury and concussion. Harris now has missed the minimum of four games on injured reserve, but there haven't been updates on his progress, nor has he been designated to return and made eligible to practice.

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Mon 10/30/23 2:11 PM

Fournette signed with the Bills' practice squad after passing his physical Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Bills will see how Fournette fares during his first week of practice with the team, but if he picks up the playbook quickly and impresses during his time on the field, he could be elevated from the practice squad or even signed to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals. Though he served as a lead back in each of his first six NFL seasons split between Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, Fournette will likely be primarily competing with Latavius Murray for the No. 2 role behind James Cook while Damien Harris (concussion) is on injured reserve. Fournette brings superior pass-catching skills to the table, but Murray historically has been a tougher runner between the tackles. However, Murray is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry on 40 totes this season, so the 28-year-old Fournette could have an opening to steal work from him on early downs as well as passing downs.

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Mon 10/30/23 1:14 PM

Fournette said that he plans to sign with the Bills on Monday, pending a physical, Jordan Schultz of BleacherReport.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
The terms of Fournette's contract aren't known, and he could initially land on the Bills' practice squad rather than the 53-man roster. Regardless, Fournette could be ready to make his Bills debut Week 9 against the Bengals, as the team is need of additional depth behind top back James Cook while Damien Harris (concussion) is on injured reserve. A popular check-down target in Tampa Bay for Tom Brady last season, Fournette set career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (523) and receiving touchdowns (three), but he saw a steep decline in efficiency on the ground, averaging just 3.5 yards on 189 carries. Once he gets acclimated in Buffalo, Fournette could challenge Latavius Murray for the top backup role behind Cook.

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Tue 10/17/23 9:34 AM

Fournette has drawn interest from multiple teams and has kept himself in "great shape" as he prepares to sign later in the season, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Fournette has been unsigned since being released by the Buccaneers in February, with a workout with the Patriots in July being the lone known visit he's scheduled with a team while he's been a free agent. The 28-year-old had previously been expected to meet with the Bills on Tuesday in the wake of Damien Harris exiting Sunday's win over the Giants with a neck injury, but that visit has since been cancelled. Fournette will continue to work out on his own with the hope that an opportunity emerges over the next few weeks.

Leonard Fournette
RB FA
Wed 7/19/23 12:51 PM

New England is hosting Fournette for a workout Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Released by the Buccaneers back in February, the 28-year-old is still searching for a new team seven weeks before the start of the regular season. The Patriots have a relatively open depth chart behind No. 1 back Rhamondre Stevenson, and Fournette could prove more reliable than current reserve options Pierre Strong, Ty Montgomery, Kevin Harris and J.J. Taylor. Last season with the Buccaneers, Fournette averaged 3.5 yards per carry -- his worst mark since 2018 -- but he's proven capable as a pass catcher with 254 receptions over 58 regular-season games the past four years (63.5 catches per season, 4.4 per game).