"Welp there goes Khalil Herbert": Bengals fans react as team replaces Zack Moss with Leonard Fournette

After news broke that Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss had landed on the injured reserve with a neck injury, the team seemed to turn to a familiar veteran - Leonard Fournette.

Fans on social media were quick to voice their reactions, with some expressing disappointment over the apparent end of Khalil Herbert's brief stint in Cincinnati.

Ian Rapoport reported on X on Nov. 11, 2024, that the Bengals are working out a deal with Fournette. Adding to the intrigue, the Bengals' decision to explore adding Fournette came just days after the Khalil Herbert trade, highlighting the team's urgency to address their running back needs.

"Welp there goes Khalil Herbert's short time in Cincinnati wtf," lamented one fan on X.

The Bengals acquired Herbert from the Chicago Bears, sending a 2025 seventh-round pick to Chicago in exchange for the second-year running back. Herbert had shown promise in limited opportunities with the Bears with eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown.

A fan sarcastically questioned, "How did that Khalil Herbert trade work out? :x :x :x :x."

Another fan jested, "They saw one snap of Khalil Herbert and said nah"

"How much help does Burrow need," asked another fan.

However, not all fans were critical of the move.

"Smart move by the Bengals to explore veteran options like Leonard Fournette. With Zack Moss on IR, adding a player with Fournette's playoff experience and power running style could be a great asset, especially for a team pushing for the postseason," one fan noted.

"Man bengals are cheap bro," another fan noted, suggesting the Bengals' decision to move on from Herbert in favor of Fournette may be viewed as a cost-cutting measure.

Bengals look to "Lombardi Lenny" for veteran stability amid Zack Moss Struggles

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The Bengals' move to bring in Fournette, even initially as a practice squad addition, can be seen as a bold attempt to bolster their running game. They are fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive after Zack Moss's injury.

Fournette, who won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, has had a roller-coaster career since being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

However, Fournette's tenure in Tampa ended after the 2022 season, and he had a brief, unproductive stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2023, gaining just 40 yards on 12 carries. Now, the 28-year-old might be looking to latch on to the Bengals, even if it's initially just on the practice squad.

As the Bengals push for a postseason berth, their decision to bring in "Lombardi Lenny" will be closely watched by a fanbase eager for a reliable option like Zack Moss in the running game.