Buffalo Bills injuries test roster decisions ahead of Bears joint practice and final preseason tune-up
The Bills are navigating a year of tough roster calls as injuries continue to complicate the depth chart just as they balance preparation for the season. A joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Friday in Chicago set the stage for a blossoming competition ahead of the preseason showdown at Soldier Field.
Early feedback from the practice suggested no immediate injury concerns for Buffalo, but Sunday reports surfaced around center Connor McGovern, who was held out of preseason action after tweaking a hamstring Friday. The situation shifted again on Monday when Lance Lysowski reported that running back Darrynton Evans also suffered a hamstring issue during Friday’s session.
That Evans development ties into a separate transaction wire note, cited by Lysowski, indicating four players had visited One Bills Drive for tryouts:
– Grant Dubose
– Makai Polk
– Jarveon Howard
– Ricky Person
Whether any of those players earn a spot on Buffalo’s preseason roster remains to be seen as the clock tightens on roster decisions, particularly for players dealing with injuries.
Injuries also touched the Bills’ wide receiver group, with Kaden Prather once again listed among those on the bubble after a hamstring problem earlier in training camp. Prather had worked his way back to action and appeared in the first preseason game for 10 snaps with one target, but the nagging hamstring could jeopardize his chances if it flares again. Doctor Kyle Trimble, known to Bills fans as “Banged Up Bills,” suggested the hamstring issue could threaten Prather’s season if aggravated, underscoring how delicate the path to the active roster could be for many receivers.
The injury cloud also helps explain the team’s other moves at the position. Buffalo has a wealth of options at running back, led by starter James Cook, with Ty Johnson and Ray Davis providing options behind him. The group at the end of the depth chart—Darrynton Evans and Frank Gore Jr.—is viewed by many as high-value targets for potential practice squad signings, should injuries or performance create openings. Trimble even speculated that Evans could be looking at a different future if his hamstring concerns linger, a reminder that every setback carries both risk and opportunity for those fighting for a roster spot.
On defense, the Bills announced a separate concern with rookie defensive back Jordan Hancock, who left the field with a shoulder injury. Hancock appeared in good spirits afterward, but Trimble offered his observations on the aftermath of the injury as Buffalo continues to balance health with development.
What this means for Buffalo going forward is a combination of evaluating depth and preserving health. The Bills need enough players to practice and play without exposing their core veterans to unnecessary risk in the final preseason game, making every bubble player’s performance crucial in the coming days. The team will also be weighing the upside of adding younger players who could contribute on special teams or serve as development targets for the future, given the depth at running back and the uncertainty surrounding several pass-catching options.
Summary and outlook:
– Key injuries: Connor McGovern (hamstring), Darrynton Evans (hamstring), Kaden Prather (hamstring concern), Jordan Hancock (shoulder).
– Positional depth: Running back room remains strong behind Cook (Johnson, Davis; Evans as depth with potential for a sign-and-stay scenario on the practice squad), while receiver depth is being tested by bubble players like Prather amid competition from tryout candidates.
– Next steps: Buffalo will determine which injured players progress enough to contribute this season and which hopefuls can earn depth roles or practice squad spots, all while preserving health for the regular season.
Additional notes for readers:
– Watch how the Bills manage the final preseason game as they balance evaluation with player health and roster flexibility.
– The tryouts could offer meaningful competition at both wide receiver and running back, providing Buffalo with potential cost-effective depth or trade/waiver options as they finalize the 53-man roster.
– The jazz of upcoming practices and the Soldier Field matchup should continue to reveal which players can separate themselves under game-like conditions.
Potential positive takeaway:
Despite setbacks, Buffalo’s depth across multiple position groups gives the team a chance to identify players who can contribute in multiple phases, including special teams, while continuing to build a foundation for a durable, deeper roster through the season.