The Buffalo Bills have enjoyed a 3-0 start to the season while staying relatively injury-free. This is largely because the Bills switched from turf to grass at the new Highmark Stadium. Because of injuries to a few key starters, some talented reserve players are playing only a minimum amount of time, if any, on the football field.
With these three players taking a backseat at the start of the season, they have been patiently waiting their turn to enter the game and contribute to the team.
3 Bills players looking for opportunity to showcase their talents
1.) OLB T.J. Parker
The 35th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft had a bland preseason and the first two weeks of the regular season. Although he played in only 19% of the defensive reps, he logged 31 reps in the first two contests.
T.J. Parker hasn't shown he can stand out behind a deep edge rushing group led by sack leader Greg Rousseau, along with Bradley Chubb and Michael Hoecht. He needs an opportunity to prove himself to get the game nod.
The rookie has been quietly waiting his turn. At 6-foot-3, 263 pounds, he is showing defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard that he wants to be put on the field as soon as he needs a replacement.
2.) ILB Kaleb Elarms-Orr
After he had a dominant preseason, Kaleb Elarms-Orr looked like he was ready to start on Day 1. The role eventually went to Dorian Williams, who has been all over the field and hasn't relinquished the starting role. The 6-foot-2, 234-pound linebacker hasn't been able to steal reps from Williams, playing only 14 percent of the snaps.
Safety Damar Hamlin has played more as a third safety in big nickel packages than Elarms-Orr has at linebacker. Much like Parker has shown patience and maturity, Elarms-Orr is quietly accepting his role and waiting his turn to hit the field.
Both Parker and Elarms-Orr were physically ready to start on Day 1 in the NFL, but the coaches are taking the right approach by having them sit back and adjust to the NFL's faster pace rather than what they saw in college.
3.) RB Ray Davis
There is no question that James Cook has established himself as the Bills' star running back. This has also diminished Ray Davis' chances. In just two games, Davis has only one carry for three yards.
Cook has played an astounding 74 percent of the offensive snaps, but sadly, Davis has only played in 20 snaps on offense this season.
Since 2025, Davis has been downgraded from a second-string running back to a kick returner and has earned All-Pro honors with 943 yards on 31 returns.
If the Bills were to ever consider the idea of moving on from Davis via trade, they can feel comfortable with Cook as the star. Backup running back Ty Johnson could move up to second string permanently, and practice squad player Frank Gore Jr. would be the third-string back.
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