After Saturday’s preseason finale at Highmark Stadium, the Bills officially enter regular season mode. The game against the Panthers is not dependent on the result. They certainly don’t secure starting reps for the Bills. The team announced that none of that group would play in the final exhibition game. Instead, it will be a full evaluation that could affect the last few spots on the 53-man roster. In other cases, we will work with working groups to specify what should be prioritized in the bill. So while matching may seem meaningless on the surface, it can provide much-needed clarity when it comes to the final decision. Who wins and loses the most on Saturday afternoon? Here are 20 I could see the Bills landing on the Panthers.
Kicker
Tyler Bass (No. 2)
The week of practice didn’t go well for Bass, to put it mildly. He missed more than half of his kicks in team drills from 40 to 48 yards and never attempted one from beyond 49 yards. It was a continuation of an inconsistent training camp for the kicker, who received a lucrative contract extension in the 2023 offseason. The Bills have consistently said the right things about Bass when asked. Most recently, head coach Sean McDermott said his “confidence in Bass is very high” and that the kicker is hitting the ball well. But kicker is a results-based position. His contract, with more than $4 million in dead cap if cut this year, plus another $3 million in dead cap added through 2025, likely means Bass will be the kicker when the season begins.
If Bass’ struggles continue in the preseason, the Bills could end up prioritizing adding a kicker to the practice squad. If so, the team could use the practice squad strike as a wake-up call if Bath’s woes continue into the regular season. However, given the current state of the game, the Bills may be willing to add a player to the practice squad.
Wide receiver
Tyrell Shavers (No. 80), K.J. Hamler (No. 19), Justin Shorter (No. 18), Andy Isabella (No. 87)
While the injury situation for wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdez-Scantling looked bleak earlier this week, there was a bit more optimism Thursday. McDermott said that with the exception of linebacker Matt Milano, all of the team’s recently injured players have a chance to be ready to play in Week 1. The coach said before the season opener that he doesn’t want to play because some things are still unclear. But this information will likely impact how teams build their rosters on deadline day. With Samuel and Valdez-Scantling coming off injured reserve, only one receiver spot remains.
Razors, Hamler, Shorter and Isabella came about for different reasons. The Razor seem to have the best chance of the bunch as they have a strong camp and their rise up the depth chart has been significant. He took a pair of special teams penalties against the Steelers that hurt his case a bit. He worked with quarterback Josh Allen this week. Breathing air during exercise is an encouraging sign of his abilities. The next best option to make the team might be a short break or Isabella. Hamler struggled with drops and ball security issues on kickoffs and punt returns. But the Clippers passed on Shorter, and Bill was able to get Shorter and Isabella back on the practice squad. A strong night could force the Bills to pick one of those groups without missing outright. But before the game, it seemed like neither Shavers nor anyone else in this group could make it.
Tight end
Zach Davidson (No. 84)
Davidson’s chances have been hit hard by McDermott’s optimism for the injured player. If regular third baseman Quintin Morris isn’t in danger of going on IR on Thursday, Davidson’s chances of making the 53-man roster will be seriously hurt. Morris is one of the best special teams players around, and Davidson will be a big step up in that department. And the third tight end should play a big role in the third period. Davidson’s good play could increase his chances of making another team’s 53-man roster via waivers, but they could still sneak him onto their practice squad.
Offensive line
La’el Collins (No. 71), Will Clapp (No. 77), Richard Gouraige (No. 75), Kevin Jarvis (No. 63)
There will be no starting pitchers in the game, giving the backup offensive line a good opportunity to earn a roster spot. Currently, the Bills appear to have nine offensive linemen who are close to making the roster. It includes five players: Ryan Van Demark, inside linebacker Alec Anderson, rookie center Cedric Van Pran-Grager and rookie Taylan Grable. Moreover, the question is whether the Bills will keep their 10th offensive lineman and who it will be between Collins, Clapp, Gurage or Jarvis.
Clapp’s recent concussion could kill his chances of becoming that player if he can’t play. They like Jarvis, but he’s only a point guard and they can’t risk losing him to waivers. But Jarvis will be able to recalculate his route on Saturday. Otherwise, spots could be left for Collins and Goury. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady said he likes the flexibility Collins provides at tackle and guard, but coming into the Steelers game, Collins hadn’t played tackle in a while. Gura drafted the guard in the preseason after playing in training camp. But if you go with Gurey, you’ll lose all your starting experience in the reserve division. If they stay to 10, Collins’ hand may be dominant for now, but Saturday could be theirs.
Defensive end
Kingsley Jonathan (No. 59), Casey Toohill (No. 99), Kameron Cline (No. 96)
These three are competing for the sixth and final defensive tackle position. It’s about special teams and passing ability. Jonathan is dominant as a pass rusher, but Toohill and Cline could contribute more on special teams. It would have been an easy decision to make in Jonathan’s favor in recent years, but rookie Javon Solomon is challenging Jonathan’s spot on the team. Solomon’s unhurried promotion means he has real potential and should take every opportunity available in the game to continue his development. In the end, it comes down to how much they can rely on Jonathan on special teams. He played well last week and another game against the Panthers could decide the game. If they struggle, Two Hill and Klein are both multi-block options.
