The Buffalo Bills have announced the elevation of two players from their practice squad for Week 16, adding kicker Michael Badgley and defensive end Andre Jones Jr. to the active roster. This move comes as the team prepares to face their next opponent with added depth in specialized positions.
Andre Jones Jr., 27, will be active for the second consecutive week following his participation in last weekend’s thrilling 35-31 victory against the New England Patriots. During that game, he contributed by playing 16 snaps on special teams, though he did not see defensive action or record any statistics apart from his snap count. The Bills currently have four healthy defensive ends on the 53-man roster: Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, and Javon Solomon. Three players are vying for playing time as rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders fills in on the edge with the absence of key player Michael Hoecht, who is sidelined due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Meanwhile, Michael Badgley, 30, is set to make his debut with the Bills this Sunday as he replaces Matt Prater, who is nursing a quad injury sustained in the previous matchup against the Patriots. Badgley has experience kicking for the Indianapolis Colts this season, where he achieved a remarkable 10-of-11 conversion rate on field goals and successfully made 18 out of 21 extra-point attempts, including two field goals from 50 yards or more. Over his career, he has displayed consistency with a field goal conversion rate of 83.1% and holds a career long of 59 yards.
With two practice-squad elevations left, the Bills have the option to call Badgley up for the remaining regular-season games if necessary. This strategic move promises to bolster the team’s performance as the playoffs approach, giving fans renewed hope for a strong finish to the season.