Buffalo Bills names and positions to watch for on cut down day

Anthony Prohaska •
Buffalo Bills names and positions to watch for on cut down day image

By 4p EST today NFL teams must be roster compliant and adhere to the 53-man roster limit. After a preseason filled with standout performances and injuries for the Buffalo Bills, let’s take a look at some names and positions to keep an eye on.

Linebacker Joe Andreessen

“Buffalo Joe” exploded onto the scene in week 2 of the preseason with a quick trigger, and an ability to process and shoot gaps vs the run. While his recognition and effectiveness in coverage need improvement, especially vs play action, Andreessen’s athleticism and special teams value (along with Deion Jones being in the first wave of cuts) may have secured him a roster spot.

Running Backs Darrynton Evans and Frank Gore Jr.

It’s going to be hard for either running back to crack the roster given the presence of James Cook, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson. But you can make a case for either Evans or Gore Jr. (or both) to be kept on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Comparing the two, Evans has more juice and shake to his game, along with receiving ability and return ability on special teams. Whereas as Gore Jr. is an efficient north and south runner, who plays behind his pads, displays good contact balance, and is consistently able to fall forward. Both have played well this preseason and have earned opportunities.

The safeties

Once a set it and forget it position for the Bills, safety is currently a position in flux vs years past. Cole Bishop, Mike Edwards, and Damar Hamlin have all been impacted by injuries and missed varying amounts of time, and who will start the season alongside Taylor Rapp is very much in question right now. Veteran Kareem Jackson was released this morning, and the initial 53-man roster could give an indication as to the health and plan at this position for both the short and long term. Don’t rule out any IR stints, Swiss army knife Cam Lewis starting week 1, or any roster gamesmanship like rostering someone but having them inactive on gameday while they heal.