Buffalo Bills: 53-man roster prediction after second round of cuts
![Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) runs with the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Marqui Christian (43) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) runs with the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Marqui Christian (43) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b950e6adc8da5be77682901e6b0b0cb4d8d620674bf4fca6880065409d0cc545.jpg)
Wide Reciever (7)
Starter: Stefon Diggs, Emmanuel Sanders, Cole Beasley
Backups: Gabriel Davis, Isaiah McKenzie, Jake Kumerow, Marquez Stevenson
Cut: Isaiah Hodgins, Tanner Gentry, Brandon Powell, Rico Gafford, Steven Sims
The Buffalo Bills have an embarrassment of riches at receiver a couple of days ago. Since then, Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis have ended up on the COVID-19 List, Isaiah McKenzie and Marquez Stevenson picked up injuries. Stefon Diggs and Isaiah Hodgins are also still recovering from their injuries. While none of the injuries or problems seem long-term for Buffalo it certainly thins out the receiver room for the rest of camp.
The group is pretty much set in place the last question is just the number of receivers Buffalo takes. The number will be anywhere between 6-8. The top four are decided but with the injuries to McKenzie, Stevenson, and Hodgins, Beane could play some risky games on the final cut-down day to place one or more of those players on injured reserve so they can come back during the season. As of now, I would have Stevenson on the roster making the team over Hodgins because of his return ability.
However, with some guys hurt Hodgins and the rest of the players who are listed as cut have a real chance to make an impression over the final weeks of training camp. The receiver room looks a lot more figured out than when camp started and the signing of Rico Gafford is likely to bring in a camp body who can bring some new juice to the position after the release of Duke Williams and Lance Lenoir.
Stevenson likely played himself onto the roster after his 4th quarter catch against the Lions and his punt return touchdown against the Bears. The Buffalo Bills may have wanted to squeeze him onto the practice squad but his performance likely makes it impossible to get him through waivers. Luckily, Isaiah McKenzie has also had a great preseason and camp regardless of his one muffed punt he was able to recover.