Gabe Davis isn’t quite right. But he is insistent …
As the Buffalo Bills built toward what they hope is a Super season … Keep up with important Bills and NFL news and decisions here in our NFL Tracker …
OCT 1 GABE’S GOOD? “I’m playing Sunday.”
That doesn’t mean the receiver’s ankle is fully healed, but Bills standout Gabe Davis plans to play against the Ravens on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Bills are also holding out hope that their secondary can get a boost with the possible return of Dane Jackson (neck) and Jordan Poyer (foot). More here as we get you ready for Bills at Ravens ..
SEPT 29 GABE DAVIS OUT OF PRACTICE The Baltimore Ravens defense might have some soft spots when it comes to guarding perimeter receivers. … all the more reason Gabe Davis is surely willing to do anything to play on Sunday.
But he was not able to practice on Thursday.
Davis has been dealing with an ankle injury that caused him miss Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, though he was able to play through the issue in Week 3 at Miami.
SEPT 28 WILLIAMS OUT Daryl Williams as potential O-line help for his old Bills buddies? Great idea … But for one problem …
As Matt Parrino writes: “It appears the former tackle/guard has called it a career. He just created new IG account for a business he’s named “Trench Mob Academy” to train o-linemen. It says he’s retired.”
That explains that.
SEPT 27 X MARKS THE SPOT?
The Bills on Monday talked of looking in-house for solutions in the secondary in the wake of an injury onslaught.
That didn’t last long.
On Tuesday, the Bills are hosting veteran corner Xavier Rhodes, as first noted by NFL Network.
The 6-1, 210-pound Rhodes, 32, was a Vikings first-round pick in 2013 and is a three-time Pro Bowler.
SEPT 24 HYDE TO IR
Word comes Saturday morning from agent Jack Bechta: “Unfortunately, client Micah Hyde will be put on IR today due to his recent neck injury. Fortunately, we expect a healthy return for 2023.”
Buffalo has major injury problems on defense as it readies for Week 3 Sunday at Miami … but this represents a long-term issue for the Super Bowl hopeful.
SEPT 20 BEAS TO BUCS
Veteran wide receiver Cole Beasley, ever since his offseason release from the Buffalo Bills in a contract dispute, has maintained that he had NFL offers in his pocket. And now we know more: The former Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys standout is signing with Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Bucs.
“I still feel like I have a lot left in the tank man,” Beasley recently tweeted, and the Buccaneers – who will start him practice squad before soon being elevated to the active roster, per NFL Network – obviously agree.
According to the report, Buccaneers quarterback Brady was involved in the push to sign Beasley, who in his last two seasons in Buffalo caught 82 balls in each.
SEP 19 BILLS ELEVATE DT CJ BREWER
The Buffalo Bills have elevated defensive tackle CJ Brewer ahead of Monday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
Brewer, an undrafted free agent from Coastal Carolina, received minimal attention out of college, but found his way to a rookie mini camp tryout with the Bills this spring.
Brewer clawed his way up the depth chart to be elevated from the practice squad tonight. With Brewer elevated, it likely means that defensive tackles Ed Oliver and Tim Settle won’t play, meaning he could have a chance to make some contributions in his NFL debut.
SEP 17 DIGGS FINED AFTER FIGHT WITH RAMSEY
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs was fined $10,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct after taunting Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey during a touchdown celebration in Week 1’s win.
The fine comes as a slight surprise considering there was no penalty flag issued to Diggs during the game.
Cornerback Dane Johnson was also fined $4,972 for taunting.
SEP 16 COLE BEASLEY EYES NFL RETURN
Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley is a free agent, but that may not last much longer.
According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Beasley is choosing to wait for a contender to need his services and call him sometime during the season.
Beasley caught 82 passes for 693 yards and one touchdown last season, proving that he can be productive for one of the league’s best offenses.
While that return likely won’t be in Buffalo, there’s an expectation floating around the league that Beasley will be on an NFL roster at some point this season.
SEP 4 CAPTAINS NAMED
The Buffalo Bills have announced their captains this season, a total of nine leaders getting the honor. The names:
Offense: Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Mitch Morse.
Defense: Von Miller, Tremaine Edmunds, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer.
Special Teams: Tyler Matakevich, Taiwan Jones.
SEP 1 BILLS NAME 13 TO PRACTICE SQUAD
The Buffalo Bills have named 13 players to their initial practice squad, most of whom were cut ahead of the 53-man roster. Here’s a look at the practice squad …
QB Matt Barkley
OL Greg Mancz
OL Alec Anderson
RB Raheem Blackshear
RB Duke Johnson
WR Tavon Austin
WR Tanner Gentry
WR Isaiah Hodgins
DE Mike Love
DT Brandin Bryant
DT C.J. Brewer
LB Joe Giles-Harris
DB Ja’Marcus Ingram
The practice squad used to be reserved for young players only, but this team features several veterans including quarterback Matt Barkley, wide receiver Tavon Austin and running back Duke Johnson.
Adding these veterans signals that the Bills want as much veteran experience as possible going into the season and value that as they hope to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this year.
AUG 30 BILLS DOWN TO INITIAL 53 The Buffalo Bills have released 17 players to reach their first 53-man roster in preparation for the 2022 season.
QB Matt Barkley
OL Greg Mancz, Luke Tenuta, Alec Anderson
RB Duke Johnson, Raheem Blackshear
WR Tanner Gentry, Isaiah Hodgins
TE O.J. Howard
DE Mike Love, Kingsley Jonathan
DT Brandin Bryant, Prince Emili, C.J. Brewer
LB Joe Giles-Harris
DB Nick McCloud, Ja’Marcus Ingram
Cornerback Tre’Davious White was also placed on the Reserve/PUP list, while linebacker Andre Smith was placed on the Reserve/Suspended list.
Defensive tackle Eli Ankou was waived with an injury settlement.
AUG 30 BILLS CUT PRESEASON STANDOUTS Buffalo is releasing veteran wideout Isaiah Hodgins (per Joe Miller) and undrafted running back Raheem Blackshear, per Adam Schefter.
2020 sixth-round pick Hodgins recorded 124 receiving yards on 16 receptions but was ultimately crowded out of a strong receiving corps.
Blackshear was a real surprise this preseason with 24 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns, receiving for a further 93 yards on eight receptions. As was the case with Hodgins, Blackshear fell victim to a deep running back room.
AUG 30 VETERAN WIDEOUT RELEASED The Bills are releasing veteran wide receiver Tanner Gentry, per Aaron Wilson.
This move leaves the Bills with eight active wide receivers.
AUG 30 OJ AND DUKE ARE OUT Buffalo is releasing veteran running back Duke Johnson, per an ESPN report – which means Zack Moss isn’t getting traded.
Nor is OJ Howard getting traded, as the vet newcomer is also being released.
AUG 29 ROSTER TRIMMING BEGINS As the Buffalo Bills begin to trim their roster to hit the 53-man marker by Tuesday, the first six to go have been named.
Offensive lineman Jacob Capra, undrafted offensive lineman Tanner Owen, undrafted receiver Neil Pau’u, undrafted defensive end Daniel Joseph, cornerback Jordan Miller, and safety Josh Thomas were all waived on Monday morning.
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Punter Matt Araiza was waived on Saturday after allegations came out alleging his involvement in the gang rape of a 17-year-old while at San Diego State last October.
The Bills worked out punters Joseph Charlton, Ty Long, Tyler Newsome, and Michael Palardy on Sunday. They also reached out to former Pro Bowl punter Marquette King.
Oh, and as predicted, the Titans just cut Brett Kern, the Pro Bowler and Buffalo-area native.
We say there’s your guy.
AUG 25 CAP ROOM MOVE Bills GM Brandon Beane said a financial move would happen, and now it has: Buffalo has restructured the contract of left tackle Dion Dawkins, converting the bulk of his $8.13 million base salary into a signing bonus.
This is a bookkeeping issue, not a “sacrifice” on anybody’s part. But in the end, the Bills gain $5.6 million in cap room.
AUG 22 BILLS CUT TAVON AUSTIN
As the Bills shrink their roster down to 80 players ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, 10-year veteran wide receiver Tavon Austin was cut early Monday morning.
Austin, the 8th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, hasn’t exactly lived to his pre-draft expectations but he has stayed on in the league for a decade with his speed and versatility.
Unfortunately for Austin, he was competing against a talented Bills receiving corps headlined by Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, meaning his opportunities to shine were limited.
AUG 18 MCDERMOTT SPEAKS ON KNOX PASSING
News broke on Thursday morning of the sudden passing of 22-year-old Luke Knox, the younger brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox. A linebacker and tight end for Ole Miss and Florida International University, his death was announced by FIU coach Mike MacIntyre.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke of the tragic news on Thursday morning.
“Our hearts go out to Dawson and his family at this time, and we’re right there with him and supporting him and his family,” coach McDermott said. “Just tragic news that I woke up to this morning. We love him and we support him and just unfortunate news this morning.”
The cause of death has not been revealed.
AUG 16 CUTS MADE The Bills are already thinning out the roster just one preseason game in. Buffalo has released cornerback Tim Harris and linebacker Marquel Lee.
Harris, 27, was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round (198th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft and was in his second stint with the Bills. He was initially signed to a one-year deal on August 24, 2021, but was waived on August 30, 2021.
Lee, 26, was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round (168th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft and was also making his second trip to Bills camp, having signed on March 31, 2021. He was released on August 31, 2021.
AUG 7 FB SIGNS The Bills are signing fullback Reggie Gilliam to a two-year extension worth up to $5.2 million, as first reported by NFL Network. The deal keeps the former UDFA from entering restricted free agency next spring.
AUG 5 FORMER BILL KIKO ALONSO SIGNS WITH SAINTS Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso is back in the NFL after signing a contract with the New Orleans Saints.
Alonso last played in the NFL (and for the Saints) in 2019. He spent 2020 on the sidelines with injuries and went unsigned in 2021.
Alonso was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and played two seasons in Buffalo before he was traded in 2015 for running back LeSean McCoy.
AUG 2 DOLPHINS PUNISHED The NFL has just came down hard on the Miami Dolphins over the subject of tampering. .. and for general violations of “integrity of the game.”
The team, a Buffalo Bills’ foe in the AFC East, will forfeit a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft and a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft after the investigation into tampering.
Owner Stephen Ross is suspended through October 17 and has been fined $1.5 million.
JULY 30 DID BILLS DB JUST RETIRE?
The Bills released cornerback Travon Fuller with a waived/left team designation today. He’s free to be claimed by any team, but a source tells reporter Ryan Talbot that “Fuller appears to be done with football.”
The 6-1, 180-pound Fuller finished at Tulsa last year and signed with Buffalo as a UDFA.
He was moved to make room for Jordan Miller (6-2, 190), who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and was most recently with the Saints.
JULY 25 BILLS SIGN RESERVE GUARD
The Buffalo Bills have added a body to the offensive line room, signing guard Jordan Simmons on Monday, per Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017 by the Raiders, Simmons eventually made his way into the rotation for the Seattle Seahawks in 2018 and 2020, playing in 20 games and starting nine. He did not play in 2019.
Simmons then moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played in five games in 2021.
JULY 24 JOSH ALLEN LOOKALIKE
The Buffalo Bills are back in training camp, fortified by the presence of two Josh Allens. … Well, actually, a fan who dressed out like the Bills QB, helmet and all.
The Bills’ camp tickets are hard to get, so this fella is fortunate in many ways. He’s got his pass. He’s got his team. And he’s ready to be inserted into the workout if coach Sean McDermott calls on him.
JULY 24 WHITE & SAFFOLD MOVES
The entire squad has reported to camp for Bills, per head coach Sean McDermott, who also announced some moves and offered updates.
Guard Rodger Saffold will begin camp on the NFI list after injuring his ribs in a car accident.
Ike Boettger and Eli Ankou will also begin camp on the PUP list.
Additionally, star safety Jordan Poyer, vying for a new contract, is present and McDermott says he’ll be participating today.
JUNE 24 AGENT PRESENT
Safety Jordan Poyer has said all the right things as he is vying for a new contract, and in addition to being at camp on Sunday … his agent Drew Rosenhaus is also present. Read here for the latest.
JUNE 24 GREAT EXPECTATIONS What does McDermott think of the “white noise” of Bills expectations? Not much, as you can read here.
2021 camp …
Nearly two hours after the 4 p.m. deadline for NFL teams to trim their rosters to 53 players on Tuesday, the Bills announced their roster moves, which included the jettisoning of tight end Jacob Hollister and long snapper Reid Ferguson, though the Ferguson release was simply a procedural move, general manager Brandon Beane confirmed Wednesday.
Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins also was the odd man out in an outstanding battle for the final wide receiver spot that was won by Jake Kumerow.
Here’s how everything has transpired so far:
The Bills on Wednesday announced a 15-man practice squad composed entirely of players they cut and made no waiver claims whatsoever for players to fill any spots on their active roster.
Those decisions are the best indicator of how strong general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott believe the collection of players they’ve assembled this year are.
The 15: Quarterbacks Jake Fromm and Davis Webb, offensive linemen Jack Anderson and Jamil Douglas, running back Antonio Williams, wide receivers Isaiah Hodgins and Tanner Gentry, tight end Quintin Morris, linebacker Joe Giles-Harris, defensive end Mike Love, defensive tackle Brandin Bryant, safety Josh Thomas and cornerbacks Olaijah Griffin, Cam Lewis and Rachad Wildgoose.
This leaves room for one more player.
The team officially moved to re-sign Ferguson to the active roster after announcing rookie wide receiver Marquez Stevenson will be placed on the injured reserve list.
In their most surprising move, at least on the surface, the Bills have released TE Jacob Hollister.
However, because he’s a vested veteran and not subject to the waiver process, they could well have a handshake agreement to re-sign him after some players land on the injured reserve list.
Reports of many others being let go have trickled in well before the deadline.
Safety Josh Thomas is one of them.
Also cut on Tuesday were LB Joe Giles-Harris, CB Cam Lewis (originally reported by Matt Parino), WR Steven Sims, TE Nate Becker, RB Antonio Williams, TE Quintin Morris, WR Tanner Gentry, OL Jack Anderson and G Jamil Douglas.
The Bills began to reduce their logjam at defensive end by trading Darryl Johnson to the Carolina Panthers
This was after they cut RB Kerrith Whyte, WR Brandon Powell, and CB Tim Harris.
Two players, DT Treyvon Hester and DE Bryan Cox Jr., are on injured reserve.
The Bills have a long way to go before their season opener against Pittsburgh on Sept. 12. So their roster could be altered numerous times before then.
But for now …
QUARTERBACK (2): Josh Allen and Mitchell Trubisky.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Emmanuel Sanders, Gabriel Davis, Isaiah McKenzie and Jake Kumerow.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Dion Dawkins, Jon Feliciano, Mitch Morse, Cody Ford, Daryl Williams, Spencer Brown, Tommy Doyle, Ryan Bates and Ike Boettger.
TIGHT END (2): Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney.
RUNNING BACK (5): Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Matt Breida, Reggie Gilliam and Taiwan Jones.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (5): Star Lotulelei, Ed Oliver, Vernon Butler, Harrison Phillips and Justin Zimmer.
DEFENSIVE END (6): Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, Efe Obada and Carlos Basham.
LINEBACKER (6): Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, A.J. Klein, Tyler Matakevich, Tyrel Dodson and Andre Smith.
CORNERBACK (5): Tre’Davious White, Levi Wallace, Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson and Siran Neal.
SAFETY (4): Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, Damar Hamlin and Jaquan Johnson.
KICKER (1): Tyler Bass.
PUNTER (1): Matt Haack.
LONG SNAPPER (1): Reid Ferguson.
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