Three Bills' Practice Squad Surprises Include Veteran LB, Ex-Browns' OL Starter

The Buffalo Bills announced a 17-member practice squad on Monday evening, and there were a few unexpected names on the list.

By keeping International Pathway Player Travis Clayton for a third year, the Bills are granted a one-man exemption from the 16-player practice squad limit. Notably, Fourteen of the 17 reserves were in the Bills' training camp this summer.

In addition to three surprise signees, there were a couple players who didn't receive practice squad opportunities despite being worthy candidates ie fullback Ben VanSumeren and running back Ian Wheeler.

Here are the three major surprises from Buffalo's practice squad composition.

Punt return problem solved with Greg Dortch?

The Bills cut punt return specialists Mecole Hardman and Dante Pettis, and declined to sign either to the practice squad at the moment. Instead, Buffalo snatched a surprise cut from the Detroit Lions, and he may be the answer to the PR problem.

The 28-year-old Dortch played the last five seasons under Bills' current special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers with the Arizona Cardinals. He has 99 career punt returns and 145 receptions over 68 appearances.

Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) runs after making a catch to score a touchdown during the fourth quarter | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The shifty wide receiver, who averaged 11.6 yards per punt return in 12 games last year, also projects as a gadget player on offense. In the 2024 season opener against the Bills, Dortch caught six passes for 47 yards and made one six-yard punt return.

Unsigned Shaq Thompson resurfaces

After 10 seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Thompson, a 2015 first-round draft pick, performed remarkably well for the Bills during the 2025 campaign.

After a market apparently never materialized for the 32-year-old linebacker, Buffalo brings him back into the fold. While initially serving in a practice squad capacity, odds are Thompson will likely see live game action at some point down the road, much like Jordan Poyer's situation from one year ago.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson (45) looks over his shoulder after an interception during the first quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Battling through nagging injuries last year, Thompson made 56 tackles over 12 regular season appearances (6 starts). He was arguably the defense's top performer during the playoffs. In two starts, the grizzled veteran totaled 13 tackles, 2.0 TFL and one interception.

Bills take flier on former first-round tackle Jedrick Wills

Buffalo may not be overly comfortable with its swing tackle options since Ryan Van Demark left in free agency, which could explain the Jedrick Wills signing. Tylan Grable has been somewhat underwhelming this summer, fourth-round rookie Jude Bowry is banged up following a subpar camp performance.

Selected at No. 10 overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 NFL Draft, Wills proceeded to make 57 starts (58 appearances) for the team until knee injuries sidetracked his career. Following a full season in 2022, Wills, an Alabama product has played only 13 games since.

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

After sitting out the 2025 season while his body recovered, the 27-year-old bookend spent training camp with the Chicago Bears. He was released in cutdown day and went unclaimed on waivers.

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