The Buffalo Bills have finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season, completing the league-mandated roster reduction ahead of Sunday’s 6 p.m. deadline.
Buffalo’s roster is not necessarily finished, however. The Bills can still make changes following Monday’s waiver process, add players who become available and make additional injured reserve moves before opening the regular season against the Houston Texans on September 13.
The Bills also released 21 players as part of the roster reduction. Among the more notable departures are veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky, running back Frank Gore Jr., safety Geno Stone, and wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. Buffalo is also moving forward with rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr., who won the team’s punting competition.
Players released
Quarterback: Shane Buechele
Running backs: Frank Gore Jr., Ian Wheeler
Wide receivers: Stephen Gosnell, Ja’Mori Maclin, Trent Sherfield Sr., Max Tomczak
Fullback: Ben VanSumeren
Offensive linemen: Nick Broeker, Chase Lundt, Da’Metrius Weatherspoon
Defensive linemen: Travis Clayton
Inside linebackers: Jimmy Ciarlo, Keonta Jenkins
Outside linebacker: Andre Jones Jr.
Defensive backs: Te’Cory Couch, Anthony Kendall, Toriano Pride Jr., Kani Walker, Geno Stone
Punter: Mitch Wishnowsky
Buffalo also placed wide receiver Tyrell Shavers on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, defensive lineman Zane Durant on injured reserve and defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis on the Reserve/Suspended list.
Bills’ initial 53-man roster
Quarterbacks: Josh Allen, Kyle Allen
Running backs: James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson
Wide receivers: D.J. Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Skyler Bell
Tight ends: Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes, Keleki Latu
Offensive tackles: Dion Dawkins, Spencer Brown, Tylan Grable, Jude Bowry
Guards: O’Cyrus Torrence, Alec Anderson, Austin Corbett, Ar’maj Reed-Adams
Centers: Connor McGovern, Lloyd Cushenberry
Outside linebackers: Bradley Chubb, Greg Rousseau, Michael Hoecht, T.J. Parker, Javon Solomon, Mike Danna
Defensive linemen: Deone Walker, Landon Jackson, T.J. Sanders, Greg Gaines, Zane Durant, DeWayne Carter
Inside linebackers: Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Joe Andreessen
Cornerbacks: Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston, Dee Alford, Davison Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock
Safeties: Cole Bishop, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Damar Hamlin, Jalon Kilgore, Sam Franklin Jr.
Kicker: Tyler Bass
Punter: Tommy Doman Jr.
Long snapper: Reid Ferguson
The team’s practice squad will also begin taking shape following Monday’s waiver deadline.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
