Once the Buffalo Bills released their initial 53-man roster on Sunday evening, but they still had to build up their practice squad and see if there were any players worth putting in claims for on the waiver order. The Bills ended up not claiming anyone off of waivers, but they did lose cornerbac Toriano Pride Jr. to the Cleveland Browns, per Tom Pelissero.
However, the BIlls did start to add to their practice squad. Some of them are players that were on the roster during the summer. While it's not uncommon to see that happen, the Bills reportedly are set to sign wide receiver Greg Dortch to the practice squad, per Draft Diamonds and Ryan Talbot of Syracuse.com.
Can confirm. #BillsMafia https://t.co/dLVpgG9ubM
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) August 31, 2026
Bills set to add WR Greg Dortch to practice squad
Dortch signed with the New York Jets in 2019 as an undrafted free agent, but ended up playing with the Carolina Panthers where he only contributed on special teams. After that, Dortch didn’t play a regular season game until 2021 with the Arizona Cardinals whom he was with until 2025. Dortch has just 1,310 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in his career. His best season came in 2022 with 467 yards and 2 touchdowns.
As a return specialist, Dortch has 886 career punt return yards, and 1,773 kick return yards. While he still has yet to score a touchdown on special teams, he has proven to help special teams set the offense up in great starting position.
Greg Dortch gives Bills extra help that they definitely need
The Bills decided to just keep five wide receivers on the initial roster, and they also didn’t have a true designated punt returner on the roster since Mecole Hardman Jr. was released after the third preseason game. While Ray Davis can help out with kickoff return, the Bills needed someone who can help on punts when the defense comes up with a big stop.
Dortch had played under Bills’ coaches Jeff Rodgers and Drew Terrell in Arizona, so having those connections should help him adjust sooner than later.
Dortch had signed with the Detroit Lions this past offseason, which would have reunited him with former Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who is now coaching Detroit's offense.
This may not feel like a big acquisition, but it could turn into one. Dortch could easily become part of the 53-man roster at some point this season and fans will be able to know that the punt returner position is taken care of.
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