Saturday’s win over the Cleveland Browns wasn’t just the second one for the Buffalo Bills, but it was their second game where they just flat out dominated their opponent. They took down Cleveland, winning 31-7, and the week prior that had beaten the Carolina Panthers, 29-14.
Through these two games, Bills Mafia has been able to see some depth players shine and make some noise ahead of roster cutdowns that is coming up here very soon. At the same time, there have also been players that may have lost out on a chance to have a serious look at the final 53.
Players have one more preseason game left to impress coaching staff
The Bills have their final preseason game this Thursday back at home, and it will be the Pittsburgh Steelers coming to town. While it would be nice to see the Bills go 3-0 going into the regular season, we all know that the two main goals are to get out healthy, and have some serious competition be put on display.
Even though the Bills picked up another great win over the Browns, there were three players that didn’t do a whole lot to seriously convince the coaching staff to find a way to get them on the final roster. While they have one more game to do so, it could very well be too late.
3 Bills players who could be on the outside looking in
WR Mecole Hardman
When the Bills signed Hardman last season, he barely did anything for the team. He did go back to Buffalo, but his preseason performances have not been great at all. Sure, he got a touchdown against the Browns late in the first half. At the same time, he had just 2 catches for 15 yards off of 5 targets.
He was outshined by undrafted free agent Ja’Mori Maclin, who didn’t just have over 100 yards and a score, but he connected with Shane Buechele on a 71-yard touchdown pass. With Ray Davis being looked at as the main returner for special teams, Hardman's time in Buffalo could be very limited from here on out.
RB Frank Gore Jr.
It’s safe to say that no one expected Gore Jr. to be one of the three running backs that the Bills would keep on the final roster. James Cook is a top five back, Ray Davis is great on special teams and can pick up tough yards, and Ty Johnson is one of the most underrated backs with his skillset. Even though Johnson has been dealing with an injury since the Red and Blue practice back in early August, he's still got a spot.
However, Gore Jr. has been dealing with competition from Ian Wheeler, who has had a fantastic summer and preseason up to this point to where he could very well be a great practice squad addition. Wheeler has been better than Gore Jr. the last two games, and could very well take a spot from him on the practice squad.
S Wande Owens
There is a good chance that we could see Owens be a special teams player, but that’s pretty much all he could be considering how deep the safety position is for the BIlls. Owens has been average at best the last two games, and he doesn’t appear to be in serious contention for a final roster spot. Unless a major injury happens, Owens may just be a special teams player at most, if he makes the roster at all.
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