Buffalo Bills elevate two from practice squad ahead of Week 2

The Buffalo Bills elevated two linebackers from their practice squad on Saturday ahead of their game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.

The Buffalo Bills were hit hard by injuries at the linebacker position in their Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets. While they were able to come away with a 27-17 win, they saw Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano both leave with injuries. Those injuries will also keep them out of the Bills Week 2 matchup with the Miami Dolphins.

With bodies at the position reduced the Bills made the necessary moves to fortify the position heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins by elevating Deon Lacey and Andre Smith from their practice squad.

With starters, Matt Milano, who has a hamstring injury, and Tremaine Edmunds, who has a shoulder injury, both declared out on Friday by head coach Sean McDermott moves were bound to happen on Saturday. To go along with the starters, backup Del’Shawn Phillips was also ruled out for the game, as he is dealing with a quad injury. While Edmunds backup Tyrel Dodson returned to practice on Thursday and Friday as he battles a neck injury the Bills needed to make sure they had coverage there as well.

Therefore, the following moves have been announced by the team. Practice squad linebackers Andre Smith and Deon Lacey were elevated to the 53-man roster. Rules during the current season allow teams to expand their roster to 55 players by calling up two players from their practice that will revert back following the game and not have to go through waivers. These moves allow the Bills to have five healthy linebackers for Sunday.

Perhaps more noteworthy is that Milano and Edmunds were not placed on injured reserve. Given players placed on injured reserve this season is out only for a minimum of three weeks the Bills must feel confident that both can return in a shorter time.

Additionally, former New York Jets center Jonotthan Harrison was signed to the practice squad while fellow offensive lineman Victor Salako was released from the practice squad.