After a half-decade of construction and planning, new Highmark Stadium is finally open. The Buffalo Bills enter their new home with a thrilling Thursday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions. With the injury report a settled matter, and the practice squad callups announced, all that's left to do is cover the final roster inactives before kickoff. Let's get into it.
The new stadium is not the only reason fans expect fireworks. Last time these two met, it was in one of the most thrilling games of it's season. With only the Week 1 showdown against the Texans to currently compare to, it's a daunting task.
Of the six names mentioned on this week's injury report, only three carry a gameday designation. RB Ty Johnson, DL T.J. Sanders, and S Cole Bishop were all questionable entering this matchup. Stunningly, after the practice squad callups were named, starting DT Ed Oliver suffered a hip injury in pre-game warmups and was declared out. It's an impactful and tragic surprise.
Practice Squad Callups
Last week's callups of WR Greg Dortch as a returner and RB Frank Gore Jr. as a limited-role backup, were anything but surprising. Not much has changed for the Bills, as the same two names enjoy the elevation for Week 2.
- WR Greg Dortch
- RB Frank Gore Jr.
Greg Dortch filled in comfortably as a kick returner, and makes his case for a permanent roster spot. The seven-year veteran offers plenty, but what room remains for him to take?
With Ty Johnson once again listed as questionable, it was no surprise to see Frank Gore Jr. elevated for Week 2 as well. It's a natural position, with familiarity and understanding of his role ever-present. Despite a limited usage in Week 1, Gore is still the obvious callup here.
Final Inactives for Gameday
Last week, the inactives sheet was a new mystery. With a change in coaching we find a change in convention; What players will become regulars on the inactives list, and which will rotate based on matchups? Per the Bills' PR team, these are the inactives for Thursday Night Football:
- WR Skyler Bell
- RB Ty Johnson
- DB Jalon Kilgore
- DL Ed Oliver
- OL Ar'Maj Reed-Adams
- OT Jude Bowry
- DL T.J. Sanders
Inactives Breakdown
RB Frank Gore Jr. subs in for Ty Johnson's second inactive game, and WR Greg Dortch retains his returner job. No other changes would have been made, were it not for the surprising injury during warmups.
The lone difference from Week 1's inactive list to Week 2 is the shocking loss of Ed Oliver. OLB Mike Danna will dress in his stead; Too late to change for a more position-matching practice squad callup.
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