3 Bills' roster underdogs who made strong cases to stay in preseason finale vs. Bears

The Buffalo Bills watched a linebacker, interior offensive lineman and multi-talented tight end make a strong case for a roster spot in their final summertime audition

Oct 4, 2024; Watford, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings guard Dan Feeney (69) during practice at The Grove. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills will fill out their 53-man roster over the next two days, and there are bound to be a surprise, or two.

Last year, "Buffalo" Joe Andreessen went from tryout player to active regular season roster in a matter of three months.

In 2018, an undrafted rookie wide receiver named Robert Foster, who was sparingly used at Alabama, made the Bills' 53-man unit and proceeded to finish as the team's second-leading receiver with 541 yards.

As for this year's Bills' roster longshots, there were three bubble players who performed particularly well during the August 23 preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Two of the players only recently joined the Bills earlier this month, but both have made statements in a short time.

There is a realistic scenario in which Buffalo keeps all three of these underdogs on the active roster. In the event that any of the players don't survive cutdown day, it appears likely that the Bills would at least offer an opportunity to join the practice squad.

RELATED: Bills cut 7 players ahead of 53-man roster deadline

The Bills must trim their roster down to 63 men by Tuesday, August 26 at 4 p.m. ET.

LB Jimmy Ciarlo

The kid from West Point is living a fairy tale over the past few weeks. Signed off his couch to replace waived/injured linebacker Baylon Spector, Ciarlo is garnering attention for his energetic, workmanlike approach.

Joining in the Bills three days prior to the August 9 preseason opener against the New York Giants, Ciarlo made a big hit on kickoff coverage in his Buffalo debut. He earned "Hard Knocks" fame for it, and he may wind up stealing a roster spot for as a potential core four special teams player.

RELATED: 'Hard Knocks' star continues magical run for Bills in preseason vs. Bucs

On defense against Tampa Bay, the former Army team captain, who tore his ACL as a New York Jets' rookie last summer, totaled five tackles and recovered a fumble. In an ultimate summertime surprise, Ciarlo may be one of the "three guys that make this team solely on special teams."

Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo (35) after the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

TE Zach Davidson

Davidson has been Buffalo's fourth tight end the past couple years, but he's lived on the practice squad. The 6-foot-7 Davidson is likely again viewed as TE4, putting him squarely on the roster bubble.

His team-first gesture certainly couldn't have hurt his chances on Saturday night against the Buccaneers. With punter Brad Robbins feeling ill, Davidson turned back the clock to his college days and handled the punting duties in the preseason finale.

🚨 TE PUNT ALERT 🚨

Zach Davidson with the 62-yd punt!#BUFvsTB on @nflplus pic.twitter.com/o2vlzkm9Mj

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 24, 2025

As a receiver, he caught both of his targets for a total of 27 yards. He played 29 snaps (43 percent) on offense.

Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson catches a pass during the Return of the Blue Red practice at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Aug.1, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

OL Dan Feeney

The former four-year Los Angeles Chargers' starter has been a pleasant surprise since the Bills signed him off the street on August 4. Feeney, a 2017 third-round pick, has the versatility to play both center and guard.

With 120 career appearances (65 starts), his experience makes the 31-year-old interior lineman an ideal insurance policy on the bench. Since 2024 fifth-round pick Sedrick Van Pran-Granger still on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the Bills should have a heightened interest in keeping Feeney in the fold for the time being.

In Preseason Game 3, Feeney played 33 of 67 offensive snaps and looked like a capable substitute while doing so.

Jan 9, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets guard Dan Feeney (67) lead teammates to the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

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