By this past Sunday at 6PM, the Buffalo Bills and all of the NFL teams had to get their initial final-53 man rosters solidified. Even though a player may have been made the initial 53, it doesn’t mean that they are totally safe. Waiver claims were put in and practice squad signings have also being processed.
The Bills' front office and coaching staff had to make some tough roster decisions because there was a lot of good football during training camp and the preseason. However, it's all part of the business. Not only do teams have to decide who gets on their final 53, but they also have to see who they want to bring on the practice squad.
Depending on how a team operates, there may be more of one position than another. As for the Bills, one position that they are definitely solidified at is running back. They have their top three, but they still had two other running backs who made some kind of impact this summer that they did not bring onto the initial final roster.
Frank Gore Jr. and Ian Wheeler made their impact for Bills this summer
Gore Jr. has been with the Bills since 2024 but as mainly been a practice squad player. He has made some good plays, but since the running back room is already full, Gore Jr. is the odd man out. Then you also have Ian Wheeler, who was in the UFL prior to signing with the Bills this past offseason.
Wheeler impressed Bills fans with his physical running style and he had some solid runs during the preseason games. Some might even say that he was more impressive than Gore Jr. While it was highly unlikely that Wheeler would make the final roster, he did have a chance at making the practice squad. That was until Ryan Talbot from Syracuse.com provided an update about Wheeler.
Bills will not be bringing Ian Wheeler to practice squad (and it could be a mistake)
According to Talbot, the Bills will not be bringing Wheeler back to the initial practice squad. This is a bit of a surprise considering the flashes of potential he showed.
Per source, Ian Wheeler will NOT be on the Bills’ initial practice squad. He had one heck of a summer so hopefully he lands somewhere. #Bills #BillsMafia
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) August 31, 2026
The Bills have one of the best rushing attacks in football so having enough running backs in the building. Wheeler provides a different style that is different than the rest of the unit. He is not afraid to lower his shoulder, and he certainly isn’t afraid of contact.
Again, no one should be surprised that he didn’t make the final roster. However, the fact that Buffalo won’t be bringing him back to atleast the practice squad is quite surprising, and it could very well be a mistake by Buffalo at some point.
Add us as a preferred source on Google