Roster/PS predictions after Game 1

[khlax3]

Assuming no injuries he are my thoughts on the roster and PS at this points. I think we will bring in some outside guys to fill remaining PS spots. What is everyone else thinking?

 

Offense (23)

QB- Allen, Allen

Rb- cook, Davis, Johnson

TE- Kincaid, Knox, hawes

WR- Moore, Shakir, Coleman, Palmer, bell, hardman

OL- Dawkins, Anderson, McGovern, Torrance, Brown, Bowery, Grable, cushenberry, Corbett

 

Defense (27)

DL- Oliver, Walker, sanders, Jackson, Carter, Durant 

ILB- Bernard, KEO, Williams, Jenkins

OLB- groot, Chubb, hoecht, Parker, Solomon, Dana 

CB- Benford, Harriston, IGB, Walker, Alford, Hancock, 

S- CJGJ, Bishop, Kilgore, Hamlin, franklin

 

Special Team:

K- Bass

LS- Ferguson

P- Doman JR

 

Practice squad

PS- buchelle (Qb)

PS- Gore JR (RB)

PS- Latu (TE)

PS- (Gosnell)

PS- (Pettis)

PS- Reed-Adams (OL)

PS- Anderson (ILB)

PS- Jones Jr (OLB)

PS- Pride Jr (CB)

PS- Stone(S)

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

 

 

Mathis- suspended

[nuiwek]

I think there will be 53 on the regular season roster. Josh Allen might be on it

[Winnebago Man]

Good projection. I agree with most of it. 

 

Offensively, I think the Bills will either roster one of the Fullbacks or retain Keleki Latu. Quite a few of the offensive formations used a Fullback yesterday. Could Jackson Hawes occupy that role if neither of the Fullbacks impress? Maybe. But, we haven't seen it yet. 

 

Defensively, I don't know that we will keep six OLBs. I can see them keeping five and stashing one or two on the practice squad. I know Mike Danna impressed yesterday by getting those two sacks, but I thought it was telling that he was running with the 3s, given his previous experience as a rotational DE. I would expect him to win against another team's 3s. 

 

I could see them rostering another boundary corner or ILB instead or possibly even Geno Stone. 

[BuffaloBillyG]

5 minutes ago, khlax3 said:

Assuming no injuries he are my thoughts on the roster and PS at this points. I think we will bring in some outside guys to fill remaining PS spots. What is everyone else thinking?

 

Offense (23)

QB- Allen, Allen

Rb- cook, Davis, Johnson

TE- Kincaid, Knox, hawes

WR- Moore, Shakir, Coleman, Palmer, bell, hardman

OL- Dawkins, Anderson, McGovern, Torrance, Brown, Bowery, Grable, cushenberry, Corbett

 

Defense (27)

DL- Oliver, Walker, sanders, Jackson, Carter, Durant 

ILB- Bernard, KEO, Williams, Jenkins

OLB- groot, Chubb, hoecht, Parker, Solomon, Dana 

CB- Benford, Harriston, IGB, Walker, Alford, Hancock, 

S- CJGJ, Bishop, Kilgore, Hamlin, franklin

 

Special Team:

K- Bass

LS- Ferguson

P- Doman JR

 

Practice squad

PS- buchelle (Qb)

PS- Gore JR (RB)

PS- Latu (TE)

PS- (Gosnell)

PS- (Pettis)

PS- Reed-Adams (OL)

PS- Anderson (ILB)

PS- Jones Jr (OLB)

PS- Pride Jr (CB)

PS- Stone(S)

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

 

 

Mathis- suspended

I think Solomon and Danna are fighting for one spot. I don't think both make it. I do think Andre Jones Jr does make the initial 53. I know every year we lament guys that may be cut and say they won't make it through to the PS, but Latu may be that guy. If they want to keep him they may have to hold him on the 53. And with Kincaid's durability issues, that may make some sense. 

 

I'm a big fan of Gore, but Wheeler looked impressive yesterday. I do think that if Wheeler and Gore keep looking good, at his age and contract amount, Ty Johnson may not be a lock.

[UKBillFan]

I don't think Latu will make the practice squad. It will be a case of being in the 53 or picked up by another team.

[Chicharito]

Please no more Hamlin!

[khlax3]

6 minutes ago, Winnebago Man said:

Good projection. I agree with most of it. 

 

Offensively, I think the Bills will either roster one of the Fullbacks or retain Keleki Latu. Quite a few of the offensive formations used a Fullback yesterday. Could Jackson Hawes occupy that role if neither of the Fullbacks impress? Maybe. But, we haven't seen it yet. 

 

Defensively, I don't know that we will keep six OLBs. I can see them keeping five and stashing one or two on the practice squad. I know Mike Danna impressed yesterday by getting those two sacks, but I thought it was telling that he was running with the 3s, given his previous experience as a rotational DE. I would expect him to win against another team's 3s. 

 

I could see them rostering another boundary corner or ILB instead or possibly even Geno Stone. 

Good call on the FB I would like put VanSumeren on roster and either Dana or Solomon off

[juno999]

Curious to see what they do at OL. If OP is correct with 9 OL, that leaves Lundt, Van Pran Granger, and Reed-Adams off the 53. All former draft picks. 
 

Bowry looked very raw yesterday and Grable is injured. I’m leaning to the Bills keeping Lundt on the 53. I believe Beane will try to trade SVPG and hope to stash Reed-Adams on PS. 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

1 hour ago, khlax3 said:

Assuming no injuries he are my thoughts on the roster and PS at this points. I think we will bring in some outside guys to fill remaining PS spots. What is everyone else thinking?

 

Offense (23)

QB- Allen, Allen

Rb- cook, Davis, Johnson

TE- Kincaid, Knox, hawes

WR- Moore, Shakir, Coleman, Palmer, bell, hardman

OL- Dawkins, Anderson, McGovern, Torrance, Brown, Bowery, Grable, cushenberry, Corbett

 

Defense (27)

DL- Oliver, Walker, sanders, Jackson, Carter, Durant 

ILB- Bernard, KEO, Williams, Jenkins

OLB- groot, Chubb, hoecht, Parker, Solomon, Dana 

CB- Benford, Harriston, IGB, Walker, Alford, Hancock, 

S- CJGJ, Bishop, Kilgore, Hamlin, franklin

 

Special Team:

K- Bass

LS- Ferguson

P- Doman JR

 

Practice squad

PS- buchelle (Qb)

PS- Gore JR (RB)

PS- Latu (TE)

PS- (Gosnell)

PS- (Pettis)

PS- Reed-Adams (OL)

PS- Anderson (ILB)

PS- Jones Jr (OLB)

PS- Pride Jr (CB)

PS- Stone(S)

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

PS-

 

 

Mathis- suspended

 

I don't think I recall a year where there was that big of a difference between offensive and defensive roster numbers as you have with 23 and 27 so I think there likely will be at least 2 more on the offensive side which means 2 less from defense. 

 

One name I'd add on the offensive side is Latu or one of the fullbacks.  Think maybe one more O-lineman on roster too.  Before yesterdays game, I would have knocked off Dana, but sounds like he had a good game so not sure who I'd cut there.

[SCBills]

QB: Allen , Allen (2)

 

RB: Cook, Davis, Johnson (3)

 

TE: Kincaid, Knox, Hawes (3)

 

FB: Van Sumeren (1)

 

OL: Dawkins, Anderson, McGovern, Torrance, Brown, Corbett, Cushenberry, Bowry, Grable (9)

 

WR: Moore, Shakir, Keon, Palmer, Bell, Hardman (6)

 

DL: Jackson, Sanders, Walker, Carter, Oliver, Durant (6)

 

OLB: Chubb, Rousseau, Hoecht, Parker, Solomon, Danna (6)

 

ILB: Bernard, Williams, KEO, Jenkins (4)

 

NCB: Alford, Hancock (2)

 

CB: Benford, Hairston, IGB (3)

 

S: CJGJ, Bishop, Hamlin, Kilgore, Franklin (5) 

 

ST: Ferguson, Bass, Doman (3)

 

Last spots come down to a sixth OLB (Danna/Solomon) vs a 4th Outside CB (Walker/Pride) and Hamlin vs Stone. 
 

Aside from the hope we all have for a Vea trade, I could see a move made for a veteran swing tackle and cutting Grable if he can’t get on the field or replacing him on the 53 with Lundt. 

 

 

Edited August 16 by SCBills

[quincy]

My 53 

 

24 on offense

 

Allen Allen

 

Cook Davis Wheeler

 

Hawes

 

Knox Kincaid Latu

 

Moore Coleman Shakir Palmer Bell

 

Dawkins Anderson McGovern Torrance Brown  Bowry Corbett Cushenberry Reed-Adams Grable

 

26 on defense 

 

Oliver Walker Jackson Sanders Carter Durant

 

Rousseau Chubb Hoecht Parker Soloman Danna

 

Bernard Williams Elams-Orr Jenkins

 

Bernford Hairston Igbinosun Alford Hancock Walker

 

Bishop Gardner-Johnson Kilgore Franklin

 

3 on special teams 

 

Ferguson Doman Bass

 

 

i listed Hawes as a FB because of wanting to keep Latu. every other TE is 6 foot 4 and he is 6 foot 7 which can come in handy. 

 

I liked the speed shown by Wheeler and I as an armchair GM am ready to roll the dice with him (sorry Ty Johnson). 

 

I am keeping 10 linemen on the 53. Ray Davis to handle both as KR1 and PR1 as well as RB2. I am keeping 6DL, 6OLB and 6CB with 4ILB and 4S.

 

Light on safeties I guess but Hancock and Alford offer versatility but in truth with both CJGJ and Bishop being injured, Beane would have to go in with Hamlin/Stone as the 3rd safety you would feel at minimum.

 

You can't be 1 play away from a rookie 5th rounder being your starting safety but he could already be better than those two that are veterans.   

 

 

 

 

[BuffaloRebound]

Beane might regret letting Vandemark walk.  Not sure Grable or Bowry are ready to step in if Brown or Dawkins go down.  Gotta protect the franchise.  Might need to make a trade to bring in a backup tackle.  

[gonzo1105]

After Game 1: 

 

QB- Allen, K. Allen (2)

RB- Cook, Davis, Johnson, Wheeler (4)

WR- Moore, Coleman, Shakir, Palmer, Bell, Sherfield (6)

TE- Kincaid, Knox, Hawes (3)

OT- Dawkins, Brown, Bowry, Grable (4)

OG- Torrence, Anderson, Corbett (3)

OC- McGovern, Cushenberry (2)

 

Offense: 24

 

DL- Oliver, Walker, Sanders, Jackson, Carter (5)

 

OLB- Rousseau, Chubb, Hoecht, Solomon, Parker (5)

 

ILB- Bernard, Williams, Orrs, Jenkins(4)

 

CB- Benford, Hairston, Igbinosun, Alford, Hancock, Walker (6)

 

S- Johnson, Bishop, Kilgore, Stone, Franklin(5)

 

Defense- 25

 

K- Bass

P- Doman

LS- Ferguson (3)

 

 

Suspended list: Mathis

 

Thoughts: 

 

As for QB I think that is pretty set in stone especially with K. Allen playing well in his first action and obviously Josh 

 

RB- I think that Cook and Davis are locks, I think Ty Johnson is the one most at risk especially with him being injured and having a 2.4 cap hit that the Bills could save but instead the Bills will keep him because he is still by far their best 3rd down back and a great pass blocker and downfield passing threat. The last spot comes down to whether the Bills want to keep Gore, Wheeler or one of the Fullbacks. Typically in the past the Bills have decided to keep a FB who does special teams and that would make it seem like VanSumeran would make the team but I think that they are going to keep a 4th RB who can play special teams. That is why I think Wheeler makes it over Gore because he is a better option for ST's play. Still I think anyone of the 4, including Jackson Acker have a shot to make the team. 

 

WR- I think this is pretty locked in besides the possibility of the last spot. Coleman, Moore, Shakir, Palmer, and Bell are all making the team. I think the Bills keep a 6th WR that can play Special Teams and that will lead to Trent Sherfield making the team as that guy. I wouldn't mind them keeping a guy like Gosnell for that spot but he'll be easier to put back on the practice squad for another year. 

 

TE- The top 3 are a lock in Kincaid, Knox, Hawes. Latu has continued to show he can play in the league. I think he has a shot to make the roster as he is essentially battling the same guys I listed for the RB/FB spot. Can he beat out Gore,Wheeler, VanSumeran, and Acker for that spot by showing he can be a top notch blocker and special teams player. 

 

OL- I think that we have Dawkins, Brown, Torrence, Anderson, McGovern, Corbett, Cushenberry, Bowry are making the team. Thats 8 guys right there that are making the team. So its between Grable, who is the better football player or Lundt who is more available. I think ideally they would like to keep Grable as insurance for Bowry having struggles and slip Lundt onto the Practice squad but with the lack of good offensive lineman it wouldn't surprise me to see Lundt move on. 

 

DL- Another spot where things are pretty well set in stone. Oliver, Walker, Sanders, Jackson are all making the team. The last spot would have been between Mathis and Carter but with Mathis on the suspended list Carter makes the team to start the season.

 

OLB- Another spot that I think is pretty set in stone. Rousseau, Chubb, Hoecht, and Parker are making the team. With Parker needing further development, I see Solomon making the team especially after the front office has been hyping him up all season. 

 

CB- Same situation. We know Benford, Igbinosun, and Hairston are making the team. Alford is the teams slot CB and Hancock will be the back up at that spots. Thats 5 right there. I had Kani Walker winning the 53rd spot and was the last person I put on this list. Obviously this could change. People will say that we can slip him on the Practice Squad but there have actually been a couple of CB's that have been grabbed on the waiver wire in the past from the Bills in Alex Austin and Nick McCloud. If the Bills really like him they will find a way to keep him. 

 

S- Bishop and Johnson are locks. Kilgore is making the team. The last spot will come down to Geno Stone vs Damar Hamlin and either wouldn't surprise me as being cut or making the team. Franklin makes the team as a Special Teams player.

 

Special Teams: I think this is pretty set in stone. Bass, Doman, Ferguson make the team to start the season. 

[BillsFan130]

Pretty much agree with all.

 

I think Van Sumeran gets a spot though at the expense of either Hardman, Dana, or Solomon.

[Reks Ryan]

I think Latu is good enough to be on an NFL roster.   It probably doesn't make sense for Bills to keep 4 TEs.  Might not be able to get him through the PS.   Although, there were 22 TEs selected in the 2026 so that could prevent some teams from looking outside.  

 

OTH, the Bills should be on the look-out for castoffs from other teams to upgrade CB, OL, and maybe LB.   There's a good chance the Bills could make some trades to balance out the roster.  

 

    

 

 

[JP51]

On 8/16/2026 at 8:16 AM, UKBillFan said:

I don't think Latu will make the practice squad. It will be a case of being in the 53 or picked up by another team.

If he shows out in the pre season games like the last one, you may be right. 

[BillsFanForever19]

On 8/16/2026 at 8:21 AM, Chicharito said:

Please no more Hamlin!

 

Get used to it.

 

Geno Stone is much, much worse. He's proven it the past couple years and even on Saturday, he looked markedly worse. 

 

So unless you want a worse player than Hamlin making the roster (which would be foolish) - he's going to be here.

[GASabresIUFan]

I see 48 players being locks at this point.

QB (2) - Allen & Allen

RB (3) - Cook, Davis (KR), Johnson

FB (1) - VanSumeran 

TE (3) - Kincaid, Knox, Hawes

WR (6) - Moore, Coleman, Shakir, Palmer, Bell, Hardman (PR)

OT (4) - Brown, Dawkins, Bowry, Grable (if healthy)

IOL (5) - McGovern, Torrence, Anderson, Cushenberry and Corbett

 

DL (4) - Oliver, Walker, Sanders, L Jackson

OLB/Edge (4) - Rousseau, Chubb, Parker, Hoecht

ILB (4) - Bernard, Williams, Orr, Jenkins

CB (3) - Hairston, Benford, IGB

Nickel (2) - Alford, Hancock

S (4) - Bishop, CJGJ, Kilgore, Franklin (gunner)

 

Specialists (3) - Bass (PK), Doman (P), Ferguson (LS)

 

That leaves 5 jobs open - Here are the candidates

1) DL - Carter - Mathis’ suspension leaves a wide open opportunity for Carter 

2) OLB - 4 players are locks, but they’ll likely carry a 5th - down to Danna vs Solomon.  I’d say Danna has an edge, but both looked good against the Panthers

3) CB - UDFA Walker is having a great camp.  Will they keep a 4th boundary corner?

4) S - Hamlin is currently the 4th safety on the depth chart (Franklin is really just a special teams gunner).  Will they keep 4 or let Hancock play both S & Nickel?

5) OL - Who gets Grable’s spot if he starts the season on the IR? Lundt?

6) Special teams help - Latu (TE), Andressen (ILB) and Sherfield (WR). 

Thoughts?

 

[gonzo1105]

12 minutes ago, GASabresIUFan said:

I see 48 players being locks at this point.

QB (2) - Allen & Allen

RB (3) - Cook, Davis (KR), Johnson

FB (1) - VanSumeran 

TE (3) - Kincaid, Knox, Hawes

WR (6) - Moore, Coleman, Shakir, Palmer, Bell, Hardman (PR)

OT (4) - Brown, Dawkins, Bowry, Grable (if healthy)

IOL (5) - McGovern, Torrence, Anderson, Cushenberry and Corbett

 

DL (4) - Oliver, Walker, Sanders, L Jackson

OLB/Edge (4) - Rousseau, Chubb, Parker, Hoecht

ILB (4) - Bernard, Williams, Orr, Jenkins

CB (3) - Hairston, Benford, IGB

Nickel (2) - Alford, Hancock

S (4) - Bishop, CJGJ, Kilgore, Franklin (gunner)

 

Specialists (3) - Bass (PK), Doman (P), Ferguson (LS)

 

That leaves 5 jobs open - Here are the candidates

1) DL - Carter - Mathis’ suspension leaves a wide open opportunity for Carter 

2) OLB - 4 players are locks, but they’ll likely carry a 5th - down to Danna vs Solomon.  I’d say Danna has an edge, but both looked good against the Panthers

3) CB - UDFA Walker is having a great camp.  Will they keep a 4th boundary corner?

4) S - Hamlin is currently the 4th safety on the depth chart (Franklin is really just a special teams gunner).  Will they keep 4 or let Hancock play both S & Nickel?

5) OL - Who gets Grable’s spot if he starts the season on the IR? Lundt?

6) Special teams help - Latu (TE), Andressen (ILB) and Sherfield (WR). 

Thoughts?

 

I did the same thing in my 52 but Durant at DT is making the roster I completely forgot him as well 

[Royale with Cheese]

On 8/16/2026 at 8:14 AM, nuiwek said:

I think there will be 53 on the regular season roster. Josh Allen might be on it

 

Do you think you could hide Allen on the Practice Squad?