The Buffalo Bills could be making a surprising move at running back ahead of the NFL season.
Buffalo has James Cook and Ray Davis as their top two running backs, while Ty Johnson is likely to be on the roster. Frank Gore Jr. is competing for that third spot, along with Ian Wheeler, who’s fresh off his success in the UFL.
Buffalo is likely to keep just three running backs on the roster, so one of Gore or Wheeler will be on the practice squad. Although Gore is a fan favorite and the son of the legendary running back Frank Gore, Bills analyst Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic believes Wheeler is trending in the direction of beating out Gore.
“Wheeler’s tough running has helped him make a name for himself this summer, and it did so again on Saturday,” Buscaglia wrote. “While he doesn’t have a clear path to the 53-man roster, there is usually a practice squad spot available for a running back. That’s been Frank Gore Jr.’s spot for the last two seasons, but given how well Wheeler has played in comparison, Wheeler could be the one sticking around this year.”
Wheeler and Gore have both shown flashes of success, and Buffalo will look to keep at least one on the practice squad. However, it does appear Wheeler now has the inside edge after the Browns preseason game.
Wheeler Impressing Bills Staff
Buffalo signed Wheeler just five days after he won United Bowl MVP as he helped the Louisville Kings win a UFL championship.
Wheeler didn’t get an offseason with the Bills, but head coach Joe Brady has been thoroughly impressed by him.
“He didn’t get an offseason with us,” Brady said. “Goes straight from playing in the UFL… straight into it. … He didn’t get an offseason, and to come in here and be able to take valuable reps and not blink and take the coaching, I’m very pleased. It’s obvious how he played in the UFL. He’s been a great addition for us.”
Wheeler, meanwhile, had interest from other teams but thought the Bills were a good fit for him and could help him develop even more.
“I saw this opportunity to compete on a very seasoned roster, on a roster that has had a lot of success these last few years,” Wheeler said. “It’s definitely exciting to be granted the opportunity to be back in the league and nonetheless with a team like this.”
Wheeler signed as a UDFA with the Chicago Bears in 2024 but tore his ACL during camp.
Buffalo Has 1 More Preseason Game
The roster battles are nearing an end as the Bills have just one more preseason game where players can look to make a statement.
Most, if not all, of the starters and main backups likely won’t play on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet, the likes of Wheeler and Gore should get reps to try to either earn the third running back spot or a spot on the practice squad.
After the third and final preseason game, the Bills will have to cut down their roster to 53 ahead of Week 1 on Sept. 13 against the Houston Texans.
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