The Buffalo Bills’ initial 53-man roster is set, but Brandon Beane and company are far from finished shaping the team for the regular season.
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran reacts to an eventful day of Bills roster news, including the return of veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, the addition of an intriguing return specialist and the formation of Buffalo’s practice squad.
Patrick explains why Thompson could provide valuable insurance behind Terrel Bernard while also serving as a mentor for the Bills’ younger linebackers. He also discusses the possible downside of the move for promising linebacker Keyontae Jenkins.
The conversation turns to the waiver wire, where seventh-round pick Toriano Pride Jr. was claimed by the Cleveland Browns. Patrick evaluates Buffalo’s cornerback decisions and explains why he still believes the Bills took an unnecessary risk by exposing promising young cornerback Kanai Walker to waivers.
There’s also plenty of discussion about former Arizona Cardinals receiver Greg Dortch. Buffalo added Dortch to its practice squad after he was released by Detroit, and his experience as both a receiver and return specialist could quickly earn him a game-day role. With Buffalo’s punt-return situation unsettled, Dortch may become far more than a routine practice-squad addition.
Patrick also covers the return of Frank Gore Jr., Trent Sherfield, Jamari Thrash, Chase Lundt, Nick Broeker and several defensive prospects. He examines which players could eventually earn promotions to the active roster and why some rookies may benefit from a full developmental season.
Finally, Patrick discusses Ben VanSumeren joining the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad and what his departure means for Buffalo’s fullback position. Could the Bills operate without a traditional fullback, use one of their tight ends in a hybrid role or bring in someone from outside the organization?
Key Takeaways
- Shaq Thompson provides valuable veteran insurance: Thompson gives Buffalo an experienced option behind Terrel Bernard and could become an important mentor for the Bills’ younger linebackers.
- Greg Dortch could earn an immediate role: His NFL receiving experience and ability to return punts and kickoffs make him one of Buffalo’s most intriguing practice-squad additions.
- The Bills took a gamble at cornerback: Toriano Pride Jr. was claimed by Cleveland, while Kanai Walker cleared waivers and returned to Buffalo. Patrick believes Walker did enough during the summer to earn a spot on the initial roster.
- Buffalo retained several developmental prospects: Walker, Keyontae Jenkins, Corey Couch and other young players will have opportunities to improve within the organization.
- The fullback situation remains unresolved: With Ben VanSumeren joining Kansas City, Buffalo may enter the season without a traditional fullback or use a tight end in a hybrid role.
Players and Topics Discussed
- Shaq Thompson returning to Buffalo
- Terrel Bernard’s injury history
- Buffalo’s young linebacker depth
- Keyontae Jenkins’ development
- Toriano Pride Jr. joining the Cleveland Browns
- Kanai Walker clearing waivers
- Greg Dortch’s receiving and return ability
- Buffalo’s unsettled punt-return situation
- Trent Sherfield and the wide receiver depth chart
- Frank Gore Jr. returning to the practice squad
- Ian Wheeler’s reported practice-squad decision
- Offensive line depth and developmental prospects
- Corey Couch’s positional versatility
- Andre Jones Jr. returning to the organization
- Geno Stone’s potential game-day role
- Damar Hamlin’s performance and position on the depth chart
- Ben VanSumeren joining the Kansas City Chiefs
- Buffalo’s options at fullback
- The evolving Bills defense under Jim Leonhard
- Final roster decisions before Week 1
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