Bills' Snap Counts vs. Browns Create Speculation for Final Roster Composition

The Buffalo Bills were able to get a good look at multiple roster bubble players in action against the Cleveland Browns in Preseason Week 2.

Jul 29, 2026; Rochester, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Kani Walker (41) runs a drill during training camp at St. John Fisher University. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The end is near for the NFL Preseason, and there are a bevy of roster decisions awaiting for Buffalo Bills' brass.

The Bills played the second leg of their three-game preseason schedule on the road against the Cleveland Browns, and the August 22 player participation log offers multiple hints about what to expect on roster cutdown day.

Despite sitting all of the big names, Buffalo rolled to a 31-7 exhibition victory.

Here's what we learned from reviewing the player snap counts with an August 30 cutdown deadline looming.

Bills' Preseason Game 2 snap counts vs. Browns

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First-team roster locks DNP

The Bills' offense was first out on the field, and four first-team linemen — LT Dion Dawkins, C Connor McGovern, RG O'Cyrus Torrence, RT Spencer Brown — were inactive.

Of the four, only McGovern was unavailable due to injury. Even backup center Lloyd Cushenberry was held out, suggesting the veteran is highly likely to survive roster cutdown day.

Bills Lloyd Cushenberry III waits for then rest of the team to take the field to practice at Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher University on July 30, 2026 in Pittsford. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Franchise quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook, wide receiver DJ Moore, wide receiver Keon Coleman, wide receiver Josh Palmer, tight end Dawson Knox and tight end Dalton Kincaid all watched from the sideline.

On defense, the six August 15 starters all registered DNPs against the Browns. That list includes edge rusher Bradley Chubb, edge rusher Greg Rousseau, defensive lineman Ed Oliver, nose tackle Deone Walker, inside linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford.

First-team safeties Cole Bishop and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson both missed their second straight preseason game while fighting what are believe to be minor injuries.

Bills' bubble players get heavy snap volume

Seventh-round rookie offensive guard Armaj Reed-Adams was the lone Bills' player to play 100 percent of snaps on either side of the ball in Cleveland. With a lot of experienced interior line depth, Buffalo may be showcasing the seventh-rounder for a potential cutdown day trade.

Meanwhile, undrafted rookie cornerback Kani Walker, who has been trending toward making the cut, received the most playing time in defense. Walker, who was listed as a second-teamer on the unofficial depth chart, logged 47 of a possible 56 reps.

Aug 15, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams (60) lines up for a play against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at New Highmark Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Seventh-round rookie cornerback Toriano Pride was third behind Walker and Danna with 30 defensive reps.

Veteran safeties Damar Hamlin and Geno Stone both started and earned 27 snaps apiece. The two men are seemingly competing for one available roster spot.

In what may be interpreted as a troubling sign for his survival chances, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, a 2024 third-round draft pick, was playing deep into the second half alongside fourth-stringers. He took 29 of 56 possible reps.

Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Kani Walker (41) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders (35) at Huntington Bank Field | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Fullback showing additional value

The Bills are debating whether or not to keep a fullback on the roster, and Ben VanSumeren is making the decision difficult.

Buffalo deployed their lone fullback for 32 percent of the offensive snaps against Cleveland.

VanSumeren saw more special teams snaps (16) than any other player on the 90-man roster, which is a good sign for his chances to stick around.

Bills Ben VanSumeren gets ready for a run, turn and pass drill during Buffalo Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford on Aug. 6, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Punter battle breakdown

The Bills have a veteran and a rookie battling for the punting role.

After seeing no live action in the August 15 preseason opener, veteran incumbent Mitch Wishnowsky handled holder duties on all Tyler Bass kicks.

Aug 15, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills punter Mitch Wishnowsky (19) prior to the game between the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 34-year-old Wishnowsky, who played six snaps, also punted once in the win over the Browns, netting 58 yards on the boot.

Seventh-round rookie Tommy Doman played three snaps in Cleveland, punting three times for a 43.0 average with two inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

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