The Leonard Fournette experiment with the Buffalo Bills has run its course.
The Bills have confirmed that the running back has been released from the team’s practice squad ahead of their upcoming playoff matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. He originally signed to the taxi unit in October but was rarely given an opportunity to feature in the Bills offense.
Shortly after Fournette’s decision to sign in Buffalo, offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was fired by the team. The 28-year-old did not seem to be in favor of Dorsey’s replacement, Joe Brady, who began to lean on depth running back Ty Johnson more than Dorsey had previously.
Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott confirmed via video conference on Tuesday that Fournette had been released. McDermott hinted that the decision had more to do with needing space on the practice squad in case depth needs to be added this week. Over the past two games, the Bills locker room has been hit with a rash of injuries.
Fournette was a first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017. He spent three years there and the past three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He won a Super Bowl with the Bucs but asked for his release in March after Tampa began to prepare for life without quarterback Tom Brady.
A 6-foot, 228 bruising back, Fournette has averaged four yards per carry in his career prior to joining the Bills. In Buffalo, Fournette rushed for 40 yards on 12 carries in two games.
Bills Wire will provide updates on the team’s potential future practice squad transactions when information in made available.
[lawrence-related id=120409,130818,130838]