Bills Central

4 Buffalo Bills' cuts who should be practice squad priorities

The Buffalo Bills announced their cuts, now we can look at possible practice squad players.
Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson (84) makes a catch against New York Giants safety Raheem Layne (43) in the second quarter
Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson (84) makes a catch against New York Giants safety Raheem Layne (43) in the second quarter | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills cut their 90-man roster down to the required 53 players and placed two players on IR to start the season, cornerback Max Hairston and offensive lineman Tylan Grable. Now it's time to speculate on who might make the Bills' practice squad.

There were a few surprise cuts, and one can expect some to be added to the practice squad in the next few days, if they clear waivers.

Some of those waived might end up on other teams, such as running back Frank Gore Jr., who had a solid preseason performance. Shane Buechele impressed during the preseason, despite not being considered a contender in the Bills' QB2 competition. His performance, however, made a strong case for him as a reliable backup option.

Here are four players whom the Bills released that should find their way to the practice squad. In fact, they should be priorities for Buffalo.

Shane Buechele, QB

Buffalo Bills quarterback Shane Buechele passing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Shane Buechele (6) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buechele could be picked up on waivers, but should he clear, the Bills need to add him to the practice squad. The options are him or Mike White, but from what we saw throughout the preseason, Buechele offers more upside.

Jimmy Ciarlo, LB

Buffalo Bills linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo works with Bills special teams coordinator Chris Tabor.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo stays after practice for advice from special teams coordinator Chris Tabor at Bills Training Camp | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ciarlo is the next "Buffalo Joe" story. Anyways, if "Buffalo Jimmy" Ciarlo had arrived in Buffalo at the beginning of the summer, he may have played himself onto the roster. Instead, the Bills should add him to the practice squad and see how much he can develop between now and next season.

Frank Gore Jr., RB

Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Buccaneers
Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. (20) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Don't be shocked if Gore Jr. doesn't clear waivers. At a position that is injured more than any other, good backup running backs quickly become an asset for teams. If he does clear, the Bills will get him on the practice squad. He could be RB3 on future rosters for the Bills.

K.J. Hamler, WR

Buffalo Bills wide receiver K.J. Hamler stretching with teammates during Bills training camp practice.
Bills wide receiver K.J. Hamler has a laugh with teammates as they stretch out during day three of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Friday, July 25, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Hamler adds a spark to the receiving room with his quickness and speed. Keeping him around on the practice squad gives the Bills a versatile player that can step into the offense and also be the team's featured return man should injury hit Brandon Codrington.

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI

More Buffalo Bills News:


Published
Ronnie Eastham
RONNIE EASTHAM

Ronnie began covering the NFL and the Buffalo Bills three years ago, including content across outlets such as FanSided, Buffalo Rumblings podcasts, On SI and video content for Built In Buffalo.

Share on XFollow RonnieEastham