Buffalo Bills announce 13 players were signed to their practice squad

Isaiah Hodgins, Buffalo Bills (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Isaiah Hodgins, Buffalo Bills (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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The Buffalo Bills trimmed the roster down to 53 players on Tuesday and on Wednesday brought back a number of the players that were released over the past few weeks as part of their practice squad. After seeing four players get claimed on waivers, the Buffalo Bills announced their practice squad with all 13 players previously being on the roster this summer.

The initial practice squad included:

  • QB Matt Barkley
  • OL Greg Mancz
  • OL Alec Anderson
  • RB Raheem Blackshear
  • RB Duke Johnson
  • WR Tavon Austin
  • WR Tanner Gentry
  • WR Isaiah Hodgins
  • DE Mike Love
  • DT Brandin Bryant
  • DT C.J. Brewer
  • LB Joe Giles-Harris
  • CB Ja’Marcus Ingram

The Buffalo Bills clearly leaned towards the offensive side of the ball with eight of the 13 players being on that side. The most notable names were running back Raheem Blackshear and wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. Both players had good preseasons and might have even warranted being on the 53-man roster.

However, the Buffalo Bills also brought back a number of veterans like Matt Barkley, Duke Johnson, and Tavon Austin. These additions should help solidify those three positions and if injuries occur they have players ready to step in.

Buffalo Bills keep three spots open on the practice squad

It is also worth noting that the Buffalo Bills did leave three spots open on the initial practice squad. This would have to be by design as the Bills will still need to make some adjustments on their 53-man roster.

The Buffalo Bills currently do not have a punter so at least one player will either need to be moved to injured reserve or be cut to create that additional spot. If he is cut, the Bills likely would try to bring him back on the practice squad and that was the reasoning for not signing 16 players to fill the practice squad.