The Buffalo Bills have announced their full 16 man practice squad heading into the 2025 season. The cast is headlined by Bills‘ legend Jordan Poyer, and punctuated by the son of NFL Hall of Famer Frank Gore.
The full list reads as such: QB Shane Buechele, RB Frank Gore Jr., WR Stephen Gosnell, WR Kristian Wilkerson, TE Keleki Latu, OL Travis Clayton, OL Dan Feeney, OL Kendrick Green, DL Zion Logue, DL Jordan Phillips, LB Jimmy Ciarlo, LB Keonta Jenkins, CB Daequan Hardy, CB Dane Jackson, S Jordan Poyer, S Sam Franklin.
I have put in bold the names that may stick out to the average Bills fan. In my opinion, this class represents a lot of potential contributors for the Super Bowl hopefuls. But none are as exciting as running back Frank Gore Jr.
The son of Hall of Famer Frank Gore spent four seasons at the University of Southern Mississippi. In those four seasons, he rushed for more than 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns.
This includes back to back seasons where the back scampered well into quad-digit yard totals to end his collegiate career.
At five-foot-eight, some scouts questioned his ability to produce at the NFL level. He silenced those doubts when he recorded more than 100 yards both on the ground and through the air in three preseason contests.
He turned his 23 preseason carries into 104 yards, and his 11 preseason catches into 109. He was also able to find the end zone on time.
He represents an intriguing development project with proven ability on the practice squad.
Cornerback Dane Jackson Stays On Roster
When the team announced that cornerback Dane Jackson did not make the 53-man, I was a little surprised. The team opted to go with Dorian Strong and Ja’Marcus Ingram over him in the room.
But that battle will continue over the course of the season as Jackson tries to fight his way off the practice squad and onto the 53-man.
Drafted by Buffalo in 2020, Jackson played out his rookie contract with the team before venturing off to play one season with Carolina in 2024. He signed back on with the Bills in May and will be a reliable call up if an injury occurs.
Jordan Phillips Stays Home
Jordan Phillips is a 12 year NFL vet that will bring valuable experience to a work in progress defensive line. The team is not bringing him back to have 10 sacks like he did in 2019.
But a familiar face that knows the game and loves the city of Buffalo is always a welcome addition.
“The presence of an established veteran on the practice squad, especially one that seems to play his best football in Buffalo, should put pressure on (DeWayne) Carter’s status on the roster prior to Ogunjobi’s return,” writes SI’s Colin Richey.
Fans Will Be Happy To See Shane Buechele
Fans will be happy to Shane Buechele earning a paycheck this fall. The fourth year quarterback went out with a bang this preseason, completing 25 of 30 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown in a win in the team’s preseason finale over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bills Announce 16-Man Practice Squad, Retain Thrilling RB