Buffalo Bills projected 53-man roster as preseason ends
Analysts predict the Bills will finalize a 53-player roster on Sunday, detailing likely cuts, injury designations and position group selections.
The Buffalo Bills are set to reduce their roster from 90 to 53 players on Sunday, joining every NFL team in the final cutdown. General manager Brandon Beane indicated that most of the spots were already identified before the preseason finale.
Injured reserve moves are expected for rookie offensive lineman Jude Bowry and Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, as well as wide receiver Tyrell Shavers. Linebacker Joe Andreessen could also start the season on IR if his injury proves long-term.
Quarterback Josh Allen and backup Kyle Allen are projected to make the roster, while Shane Buechele is likely to be placed on the practice squad. The running back group is expected to include James Cook, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, mirroring last season’s depth chart.
Tight ends Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes are projected as roster locks, with Keleki Latu slated for the practice squad. Wide receiver selections include DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer and Skyler Bell; analysts note that the Bills may add a punt returner via trade or free-agency signing.
Fullback Ben VanSumeren is anticipated to retain his role after coach Joe Brady emphasized the position in his offensive scheme.
On the offensive line, the projection lists Dion Dawkins, Alec Anderson, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, Lloyd Cushenberry, Austin Corbett, Tylan Grable and Ar’Maj Reed-Adams. The placement of Bowry and Van Pran-Granger on IR simplifies the depth chart.
Defensively, outside linebackers Greg Rousseau, Bradley Chubb, Michael Hoecht, T.J. Parker and Javon Solomon are expected to make the team, with Solomon favored over Mike Danna for his special-teams contributions. Inside linebackers projected are Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Keonta Jenkins and Joe Andreessen.
The defensive line is likely to feature Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, T.J. Sanders, Landon Jackson, Zane Durant and Greg Gaines, with DeWayne Carter considered the most uncertain candidate.
Cornerbacks Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston, Davison Igbinosun, Kani Walker and Dee Alford are projected, while safety positions include Cole Bishop, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jordan Hancock, Damar Hamlin, Sam Franklin and Jalon Kilgore.
Special teams are expected to retain punter Tommy Doman, kicker Tyler Bass and long-snaper Reid Ferguson after a competitive preseason.
Analysts note that the Bills may still need to add a dedicated punt returner in the coming days, which could prompt an additional roster move.