The Buffalo Bills have landed on a surprise candidate to win their punt returner job.
The position was left up in the air after the Bills struggled to find a candidate during the preseason. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman took most of the return duties during the regular season, but he was let go at final cuts and did not return for the practice squad.
Running back Ray Davis, the team’s primary kick returner, also did some punt return duties but was taken off the job after muffing a return.
The team announced its first depth chart this week, revealing that the winner of the competition was a surprise entry.
Dee Alford Set to Return Punts
As WGR 550 reporter Sal Capaccio noted, the team announced that nickel cornerback Dee Alford is the primary returner for the season opener against the Houston Texans.
“Starting nickel cornerback Dee Alford is listed as the team’s starting punt returner. Alford is listed ahead of running back Ray Davis and wide receiver Khalil Shakir in that role,” Capaccio wrote. “Davis, who is listed as the first kick returner, had three punt returns during the preseason, but also muffed one of his chances.”
Capaccio added that Alford doesn’t have much NFL experience returning kicks, handling duties during just one season.
“Alford has 20 career punt returns, all of which occurred during the 2023 season while with the Atlanta Falcons,” Capaccio wrote.
Bills Could Have Another Punt Return Option
The Bills could still have another option for punt returner not currently on their active roster. SI.com reporter Ralph Ventre suggested that newly added practice squad receiver Greg Dortch could earn a call-up for the season opener.
“Seventh-round rookie Tommy Doman won the punter battle, but the Bills have yet to settle on a punt returner,” Ventre wrote. “Look for them to elevate Greg Dortch off the practice squad for the season opener.”
The 28-year-old Dortch has more career experience returning punts than Alford. Dortch has an 8.9-yard career average for punt returns and a 23.6-yard average for kick returns. The veteran wide receiver has appeared in 68 games in his career with 17 starts, making 145 receptions for 1,310 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Bills Cornerback Lands Unexpected Role on First Depth Chart