While the Buffalo Bills have generally kept three active running backs on their roster, this year will be no different. Unlike the past few seasons, there may be a changing of the guard at the third-string running back position.
For the last three years, Ty Johnson has done a remarkable job of being the passing running back, particularly on third down. This season, he has had some competition from former UDFA running back Ian Wheeler. The former UFL star may be looking to unseat Johnson and be their new third-string running back for the 2026 regular season.
Let's take a look at how Ian Wheeler is looking to make the 53-man roster as the Bills' new third running back on the depth chart.
How Ian Wheeler achieved his start
In June, Wheeler was celebrating both a UFL title and a United Bowl MVP award with the Louisville Kings when, five days later, he joined the NFL by signing with the Buffalo Bills. He arrived at training camp at St. John Fisher University with much to learn about an NFL playbook that heavily uses running backs.
He immediately caught on, and there wasn't really any learning curve for Wheeler to go through other than just playing football. This shows Wheeler's quick adjustment, which helps coaches feel confident in his potential. The persistent running back is also working to give the team something to assess while fitting into a running back room that already includes James Cook, Ray Davis, and Frank Gore Jr.
Wheeler can ignite offense
In the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, Wheeler had an impressive first game, running for 41 yards and one touchdown on seven carries total. He also ran hard and low to the ground, showing power while patiently following his blockers.
Wheeler's more than just your typical downhill running back, as during the team's joint practice with the Cleveland Browns last Thursday, he used his full body to truck a Browns defender, as per WGRZ's Jonathan Acosta, which could have gone for a long touchdown run during a regular-season game.
As promised, here's #Bills RB Ian Wheeler lowering his shoulder today in the joint practice with the Browns.
— Jonathan Acosta (@JAcostaTV) August 20, 2026
A thud loud enough that everyone could hear and one that got the entire Buffalo offense hyped up. Josh Allen said Wheeler is a "low runner" with a lot of power.@WGRZ https://t.co/sErOib16h2 pic.twitter.com/0NtIT8VBVU
After his impressive debut against the Panthers, he followed it up with another solid outing in front of an energized crowd at Huntington Bank Field. Against the Cleveland Browns, Wheeler piled up 14 carries for 56 rushing yards and added 21 yards on two catches.
In just two preseason games, Wheeler already has 23 carries for 118 yards rushing, averaging a solid 5.1 yards per carry, while also averaging 4.6 yards per carry in just the running game.
UDFA Ian Wheeler can save Bills money against the cap
It's not just Wheeler showing how successful he is as a runner and as a receiving back, but also the fact that he is performing better than Johnson while only carrying a low cap hit of $885,000 compared to Johnson's $3.3 million, while he is currently dealing with an injury from the "Return of the Red and Blue" practice earlier in the month.
Another alternative the Bills could pursue in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness is placing Johnson on the short-term IR to start the year, allowing his knee to fully heal and reduce wear and tear as well. This option makes the most sense, as the Bills could keep Wheeler on the active roster in the short term without putting him on the practice squad and risk losing him to another team.
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