The Buffalo Bills close out the preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and while the final score may be meaningless, Thursday night could significantly affect several players fighting for roster spots, expanded roles and practice-squad opportunities.
Patrick Moran examines the biggest remaining position battles before Buffalo finalizes its 53-man roster. Can undrafted cornerback Kani Walker make it impossible for the Bills to risk placing him on waivers? Has Tylan Grable done enough to secure the swing-tackle job? Could Ty Johnson’s injury create an unexpected opportunity for Ian Wheeler?
The episode also explores Trent Sherfield’s push to become Buffalo’s sixth wide receiver, the defensive-line showdown between DeWayne Carter and Greg Gaines and whether the Bills will retain a traditional fullback or use Keleki Latu and Jackson Hawes in hybrid roles.
Patrick also discusses several developmental players competing for their futures, including Chase Lundt, Bruno Fina and second-round cornerback Davison Igbinosun.
Key Takeaways
- Kani Walker has outperformed Toriano Pride Jr., but Buffalo must decide whether it has room for a fourth boundary cornerback.
- Tylan Grable and Chase Lundt face important evaluations as injuries and inconsistent play create uncertainty behind Buffalo’s starting offensive line.
- Ian Wheeler could challenge Frank Gore Jr. for a roster spot if Ty Johnson begins the season on injured reserve.
- Trent Sherfield’s blocking, receiving and special-teams value strengthen his case to become the Bills’ sixth receiver.
- DeWayne Carter versus Greg Gaines may be one of the most consequential roster battles remaining.
- Buffalo must determine whether Ben VanSumeren, Keleki Latu or positional versatility provides the best use of its final offensive roster spots.
- A strong performance from Davison Igbinosun could earn him a larger early-season role opposite Christian Benford.
Players and Position Battles Discussed
- Kani Walker and the boundary-cornerback depth
- Tylan Grable, Chase Lundt and Buffalo’s swing-tackle concerns
- Ian Wheeler versus Frank Gore Jr.
- Keonta Jenkins and Joe Andreessen
- Trent Sherfield and Skyler Bell
- DeWayne Carter versus Greg Gaines
- Ben VanSumeren and the fullback position
- Keleki Latu and the possibility of keeping four tight ends
- Bruno Fina’s practice-squad opportunity
- Davison Igbinosun’s potential role opposite Maxwell Hairston
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