In case you haven’t heard, the secondary for the Buffalo Bills isn’t exactly good. However, that didn’t stop them from releasing C.J. Gardner-Johnson this past week after he served a one-game suspension for spitting towards TE Brock Bowers in Week 6. The fact that Buffalo’s secondary could use any help right now and they still released Gardner-Johnson tells us a lot.
However, that doesn't ignore the fact that Buffalo needs more help on the backend of the defense. Heck, maybe getting another corner wouldn't be the worst idea in the world either.
At the same time, the Bills are close to getting back on of their own players that has been on the IR since the end of September.
DB Jordan Hancock nearing return for Bills
Bills' defensive back Jordan Hancock, who can play at safety and at the nickel, has been designated for return from the IR according to the NFL transaction log, per Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic.
The Bills officially designated NCB Jordan Hancock for return from IR today, according to the NFL transaction log.
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) November 4, 2026
Hancock has been on the IR after suffering a hamstring injury after Week 3, which has caused him to miss the entire month of October. Not having him as depth at the minimum has hurt Buffalo's secondary, but now he gets his 21-day window opened up, and it's just a matter of time before he gets activated back to the roster.
When Hancock was placed on the IR, that had opened up a roster spot which allowed WR Greg Dortch to be signed from the practice squad. Now, once Hancock is activated, that will leave Buffalo a decision on what to do with the roster.
Bills must make roster decision once Jordan Hancock officially returns
It wouldn't be surprising to see someone like Te'Cory Couch be the odd man out to make room for Hancock, and then Couch coming back to the practice squad. That's usually the type of setup we have seen, and it could very well be done again.
However, anything can happen and who knows how long it will take for the window to be closed on Hancock and have him back on the roster. Buffalo's secondary just needs the help desperately.
While Hancock isn't exactly a star-like player, he provides great depth and versatility for the Bills. He is also a solid run stopper so adding the physicality factor doesn't hurt either.
Even though Hancock is set up to return soon, that still shouldn't steer the Bills away from getting secondary help via trade before next week's deadline.
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