BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Bills' initial 53-man roster was set in stone at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Like every year, there are some surprise keeps and surprise cuts. Here's how Buffalo shakes out in advance of Week 1:
Quarterbacks (3): Josh Allen, Matt Barkley, Jake Fromm
Davis Webb was the only signalcaller waived today. He was on the practice squad in 2019 and could very well be back again as a scout team QB in 2020. Teammates and coaches have praised his knowledge of the game.
Running Backs (5): Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Taiwan Jones, T.J. Yeldon, Reggie Gilliaam
Technically, Reggie Gilliam is listed as a tight end. He changed numbers from 41 to 86 during camp. But with Patrick DiMarco on injured reserve, the Bills could wind up using the undrafted rookie as a fullback. Christian Wade, who was waived today, still wouldn't count against the 16-man count for the practice squad if he's back in Buffalo.
Wide Receivers (6): Stefon Diggs, John Brown, Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, Isaiah Hodgins, Isaiah McKenzie.
Here's the first shocker. After two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances as a kick returner, the Bills have let go of Andre Roberts. Micah Hyde and Isaiah McKenzie were also fielding kicks throughout training camp. Taiwan Jones is capable as well. Other receivers cut include Duke Williams and Robert Foster.
Tight Ends (3): Dawson Knox, Tyler Kroft, Lee Smith
After being activated for a day, Tommy Sweeney is back on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He's still on the team, along with DiMarco. Among the Bills' cuts at tight end include Jason Croom, who, like Foster, shone in 2018 but continued to fall through the cracks as the Beane-McDermott era took hold. Both Croom and Nate Becker could be practice squad candidates.
Offensive Line (10): Dion Dawkins, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Jon Feliciano, Cody Ford, Daryl Williams, Ty Nsekhe, Ike Boettger, Ryan Bates, Brian Winters
The Bills' offensive line was a rotating door in 2019. It could very well continue to be in 2020. Versatility was the key for Bates and Boettger once again. With injuries at guard, including Jon Feliciano's torn pectoral, Cody Ford and Daryl Williams had both slid inside throughout camp while Winters gets up to speed on the playbook.
Defensive Line (9): Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, AJ Epenesa, Trent Murphy, Darryl Johnson, Ed Oliver, Harrison Phillips, Quinton Jefferson, Vernon Butler
Versatility comes into play on the defensive line, as well. Epenesa talked about playing both inside and outside after being drafted. Jefferson has the proven ability to do so, as well. Even Mario Addison lined up over guards in 11-on-11 situations during camp. It's worth noting that Trent Murphy's cap hit is among the highest on the team, yet he stays for the final year of his deal.
Linebacker (6): Matt Milano, Tremaine Edmunds, A.J. Klein, Tyler Matakevich, Tyrel Dodson, Del'Shawn Phillips
The sole cut at linebacker today was former Panther Andre Smith, which likely nullifies the conditional 7th round pick in 2023. Both Phillips and Dodson took a lot of special teams reps in camp, along with Matakevitch. Phillips joined the Bills' practice squad midway through last season.
Defensive Back (8): Tre'Davious White, Josh Norman, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Siran Neal, Levi Wallace, Jaquan Johnson, Taron Johnson
The biggest news of roster cut deadline day is likely White's extension. The lack of depth at cornerback, which makes up five out of the eight spots, is a positive indicator for Wallace and Norman's health. While eight total might seem light for defensive backs, Neal learned cornerback, in addition to nickel and safety, during the offseason.
Special Teams (3): K Tyler Bass, P Corey Bojorquez, LS Reid Ferguson
This has been set in stone for over a week now. Bass talked about Bojorquez and Ferguson taking him under their wings from the getgo. However, with the practice squads expanded to 16 players, look for the Bills to add a kicker or punter, if not both, in order to not have to worry about the COVID-19 waiting game should something happen to Bass or Bojorquez.
