Bills Central

Former Bills' starter 'back in the building' much to Sean McDermott's delight

The Buffalo Bills have a former starter on practice squad IR, and he may be able to provide a boost to the WR corps at some point this season
Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott during the second half at MetLife Stadium. | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

He's still working his way back to full health, and he's doing it with the team that drafted him in 2020.

After four seasons as a Buffalo Bills' starter, wide receiver Gabe Davis left for the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. He signed a three-year contract reportedly worth $39 million, but the Jaguars cut ties after a disastrous 2024 season that ended with Davis undergoing meniscus surgery.

While trying to return to playing form, Davis remained a free agent throughout the summer before finally landing back home in a practice squad role prior to the start of the regular season.

The 26-year-old Davis has been on the practice squad Injured Reserve list since arriving, but that may change later this season.

"He's working through his own set of injuries, naturally, with the IR designation, but, overall, it's been good to have him back in the building," said Bills' head coach Sean McDermott during his weekly appearance on WGR's The Extra Point Show.

One has to think that once the wide receiver reaches full health, the Bills will insert him into the mix, potentially taking a gameday jersey from Tyrell Shavers. Although he's not accustomed to playing special teams, Davis possesses a blocking ability that increases his value when not running routes.

Gabe Davis TD
Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13) catches touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) at Lincoln Financial Field | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

With the Bills seemingly unable to consistently stretch the field with the long ball, Davis may be able to provide a boost in that area of the passing game. He averaged 16.7 yards per reception and 6.7 TD catches per season as a Bill. His rapport with quarterback Josh Allen was top tier.

MORE: Free-agent addition Joshua Palmer speaks amidst slow start to Bills' tenure

"It's been good [to have Davis back]. It's been really good. It's good to see him and kind of get back together again a little bit here," said McDermott.

"Big Game" Gabe is back in town, and it's only a matter of time before he's suiting up for the Bills again in a big game.

Gabe Davis TD
Dec 23, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13) cathces 57-yard touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets. Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.