Bills 2016 Practice Squad

[YardRat]

The signings should be starting to fly in, maybe even a couple of waiver wire pick-ups.

Any predictions on the PS?

Hoping they get a QB, but even if they do it most likely won't be anybody I'm thinking of.

I would guess...

QB-
WR-DezLewis
OT-Martin
OG-Richardson
DL-Zimmer
DL-Edwards
LB-Striker
CB-Butler
TE-
RB-

[YardRat]

Here's a list of eligibles...

LB Bryson Albright
TE Blake Annen
WR Kain Colter
DL Lavar Edwards
LS Reid Ferguson
K Jordan Gay
RB Mike Gillislee
FB Glenn Gronkowski
OL Ryan Groy
LB Randell Johnson
C Robert Kugler
OL Jamison Lalk
WR Dez Lewis
OT Marquis Lucas
OT Chris Martin
TE Jimmay Mundine
TE Nick O’Leary
WR Walter Powell
G Cyril Richardson
CB Sammy Seamster
LB Eric Striker
LB Max Valles
RB James Wilder Jr.
DT Justin Zimmer

http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2016/09/02/bills-with-practice-squad-eligibility/

I think under the new rules Butler might be eligible also, but could be wrong. If not, replace him with a corner cut from another team on my list.

[GingerP]

Lavar Edwards was claimed on waivers by Carolina.

[GingerP]

Bills added G/C Gabe Ikard to the PS, who was in camp with Detroit this year. The Bills claimed him last year after final cuts (from Tennessee) and he was on the team until early December when they cut him and the Lions picked him up.

[stuckincincy]

Practice Squad tracker site:

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/9/4/12759136/2016-nfl-practice-squad-signings-waiver-claims-tracker

[Dr. Lecter]

Why a QB? 4 QBs are too many to practice.

[YardRat]

Why a QB? 4 QBs are too many to practice.

Good point. I'd like to get a jump on a young guy for PS to replace EJ after this season. They may go without one, but I wouldn't.

[Dr. Lecter]

Dez Lewis and Jordan Gay are the first two members

[YardRat]

Well, we've got to waste some kind of spot on a kicker, otherwise it just wouldn't feel right.

[Skooby]

C- Ikard , 6'4" dude who needed to get stronger in on our PS.

[Novacane]

Smart move hiding Gay on the ps. I'm sure he wouldn't have been available if we decided we needed him later on.

[YardRat]

Lattimore will probably be the guy they sign to the PS at LBer now.

[Mace]

Signing Jordan Gay to the practice squad is the action of a dunce.

Though it is only the practice squad, this is one of the stupidest, most incomprehensible personnel moves I can imagine.

Really Mace ?

Yes.

[SpikedLemonade]

Bills added G/C Gabe Ikard to the PS, who was in camp with Detroit this year. The Bills claimed him last year after final cuts (from Tennessee) and he was on the team until early December when they cut him and the Lions picked him up.

Worth the claim.

[Skooby]

Signing Jordan Gay to the practice squad is the action of a dunce.

Though it is only the practice squad, this is one of the stupidest, most incomprehensible personnel moves I can imagine.

Really Mace ?

Yes.

It's really perplexing.

[Novacane]

Someone at OBD must like the guy personally so they're throwing him 7k a week. There's zero logical reason to have a kicker who can't even make extra points on your PS.

[Skooby]

Someone at OBD must like the guy personally so they're throwing him 7k a week. There's zero logical reason to have a kicker who can't even make extra points on your PS.
He has pictures, only logical explanation.

[Novacane]

If Carpenter hurt himself in practice this week would they make Gay the opening day kicker? We all know they would look elsewhere. Gay sucks. They know he sucks. I know it's just a ps spot but this move is indefensible.

[Mace]

If Carpenter hurt himself in practice this week would they make Gay the opening day kicker? We all know they would look elsewhere. Gay sucks. They know he sucks. I know it's just a ps spot but this move is indefensible.

Either no one wants to be on our practice squad, or they're saying they cannot find one other player with more potential or utility worth trying to keep and develop at any position whatsoever.

Oh it just sets me off. It's stupid and lazy, obsessive compulsive, and ludicrous.

[YardRat]

Either no one wants to be on our practice squad, or they're saying they cannot find one other player with more potential or utility worth trying to keep and develop at any position whatsoever.

Oh it just sets me off. It's stupid and lazy, obsessive compulsive, and ludicrous.

It is kind of odd they've only signed three ps at the moment, and one of them is a kicker.

[Novacane]

It is kind of odd they've only signed three ps at the moment, and one of them is a kicker.


He's not even a place kicker. He proved that in the preseason.Hes a deep specialist. So stupid.

[BillsImpossible]

Do practice squad players really matter?

99.9% of the time, no.

Sample size taken from the Seattle Seahawks.

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/2013/09/01/do-practice-squad-players-make-an-impact/

Do practice squad players make an impact?
With that in mind, I thought I’d try to answer a question a reader sent me tonight, which was this — do players signed to practice squads ever end up making an impact?

[BillsImpossible]

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/from-rams-practice-squad-to-super-bowl-starter/article_ca915df4-7f5b-5774-9888-d7d83f82a2eb.html

This is the only example I could find.

[Novacane]

Do practice squad players really matter?

99.9% of the time, no.



I never thought they mattered much The Bills are proving it.

[BillsImpossible]

I never thought they mattered much The Bills are proving it.

The whole league has proven it.

Practice Squad players don't matter in the grand scheme of NFL things.

[Mace]

The whole league has proven it.

Practice Squad players don't matter in the grand scheme of NFL things.

I knew someone would come out with this, had to be you, Imp. I see how you are.

Anyway, if you can't use a tool with obvious use as a tool, such as the practice squad, your organization is not astute and there's no point in even putting anyone on it but friends and relatives of friends then so they get some money for just hanging out with a team.

[BillsImpossible]

The NFTA, Erie County Water Authority, New York State Highway Authority, and every other "authority" in New York State strongly disagrees, Mace.

[T-Long]

Matt Hazel looks to have signed (via his Twitter)

WR from the Fins

[YardRat]

Am I the only one perplexed that the team has only signed four (two officially confirmed) players to the PS?

[HHURRICANE]

Am I the only one perplexed that the team has only signed four (two officially confirmed) players to the PS?

I'm perplexed with a bunch of things going on here.

[Dr. Lecter]

Yes.

[YardRat]

QB-
WR-DezLewis, Matt Hazel (?)
OT-Martin
OG-Richardson, Gabe Ikard (?)
DL-Zimmer
DL-Edwards - signed with Carolina
LB-Striker - probably will be passed over for Lattimore
CB-Butler -apparently not eligible, Seamster or another team's cut?
TE-
RB-
KOS- Jordan Gay

[DraftBoy]

Am I the only one perplexed that the team has only signed four (two officially confirmed) players to the PS?

No reason to be concerned quite yet.

Likely means the Bills are working on other teams roster cuts to potentially fill out their roster and PS.

See the Vital claim yesterday and the addition of Hazel to the PS (unconfirmed). That process takes longer because the player isn't familiar with your team and system.

[Dr. Lecter]

I don't think Lattimore is eligible.

[YardRat]

No reason to be concerned quite yet.

Likely means the Bills are working on other teams roster cuts to potentially fill out their roster and PS.

See the Vital claim yesterday and the addition of Hazel to the PS (unconfirmed). That process takes longer because the player isn't familiar with your team and system.


I'm not concerned...I said perplexed. You know as well as I, and anybody, that PS signings usually come quickly after the waiver process is finished.

[Dr. Lecter]

The practice squad has not even been open for 24 hours and people are concerned that it isn't full yet.

I can't wait for the regular season to start so we can have real things to ***** about

[Dr. Lecter]

I'm not concerned...I said perplexed. You know as well as I, and anybody, that PS signings usually come quickly after the waiver process is finished.

It's less than 24 hours............

Besides, you are always perplexed about something............

[YardRat]

I don't think Lattimore is eligible.

You might be right, I was thinking he was younger.

[Night Train]

Gay could have been triggered by the Ravens signing Hester to return kicks. Just a guess.

[stuckincincy]

I'm not concerned...I said perplexed. You know as well as I, and anybody, that PS signings usually come quickly after the waiver process is finished.

The Jets also show 4 to date. They and the Bills know best, eh?

[DraftBoy]

DB Marcus Roberson from the Rams has been signed the PS per his agents twitter.

[GingerP]

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/from-rams-practice-squad-to-super-bowl-starter/article_ca915df4-7f5b-5774-9888-d7d83f82a2eb.html

This is the only example I could find.

You didn't look very hard:

James Harrison, Rod Smith, Jason Peters, Rob Ninkovich, Danny Amendola, Cameron Wake, Alex Boone, Ryan Clark, John Kuhn, Danny Woodhead, Arian Foster, Tony Richardson, Lance Moore, Tramon Williams, Brandon Moore.

That was with a quick google. There are many others that got their start on PS and contributed to teams in ST or spot-start roles. The fact is, in the NFL it takes some guys time to develop. I read the other day that there are more guys who started as undrafted FA on NFL rosters to start this season (481) than there are guy drafted in the 1st and 2nd round combined (480).

[Dr. Lecter]

No reason to be concerned quite yet.

Likely means the Bills are working on other teams roster cuts to potentially fill out their roster and PS.

See the Vital claim yesterday and the addition of Hazel to the PS (unconfirmed). That process takes longer because the player isn't familiar with your team and system.
And those players need to take a physical too. And get into town.

It's not difficult by 24-48 hours isn't unreasonable

[Skooby]

People ***** about the practice squad not being here in full and I point out a key component this season still isn't in town, then I'm all that's evil in the world. Give me a F-n break.

[YardRat]

And those players need to take a physical too. And get into town.

It's not difficult by 24-48 hours isn't unreasonable

Assuming the premise is true, would that lead one to a conclusion that over and above the 53 man roster and various injury lists, of the 30-odd players that were identified and brought in for training camp none are good enough to keep around, at all, except for a WR and KOS?

[DraftBoy]

People ***** about the practice squad not being here in full and I point out a key component this season still isn't in town, then I'm all that's evil in the world. Give me a F-n break.
No, you made up a story and twisted something into what it wasn't.

That's why you're getting people being critical.

[DraftBoy]

Assuming the premise is true, would that lead one to a conclusion that over and above the 53 man roster and various injury lists, of the 30-odd players that were identified and brought in for training camp none are good enough to keep around, at all, except for a WR and KOS?


You're forgetting that this is an open market process and just because we didn't immediately bring them back doesn't mean they aren't good enough. There could be competition for their services and they want to hear from any and all teams interested.

There are too many variables that are unknown for us to assume much of anything at this process. If all 31 teams fill up and we still have another 3-4 spots to fill then we have something to seriously question/wonder about.

And not that I would put much of any stock into anything a video game does, but there is a reason that Madden won't release final regular season roster update until Wednesday or Thursday. Too much volatility and they don't want to waste time creating players for rosters and practice squads that won't make it through the week.

[YardRat]

You're forgetting that this is an open market process and just because we didn't immediately bring them back doesn't mean they aren't good enough. There could be competition for their services and they want to hear from any and all teams interested.

There are too many variables that are unknown for us to assume much of anything at this process. If all 31 teams fill up and we still have another 3-4 spots to fill then we have something to seriously question/wonder about.

And not that I would put much of any stock into anything a video game does, but there is a reason that Madden won't release final regular season roster update until Wednesday or Thursday. Too much volatility and they don't want to waste time creating players for rosters and practice squads that won't make it through the week.


True, but I believe only one player (Edwards?) has signed with somebody else, and as of the latest update from the ps tracker, most of the teams are already set at 10, or only one off. There aren't too many spots left to fill league-wide (28 total, if I counted right). I do see, however, that LB Max Valles and CB Doran Grant were added today.

[stuckincincy]

You're forgetting that this is an open market process and just because we didn't immediately bring them back doesn't mean they aren't good enough. There could be competition for their services and they want to hear from any and all teams interested.

There are too many variables that are unknown for us to assume much of anything at this process. If all 31 teams fill up and we still have another 3-4 spots to fill then we have something to seriously question/wonder about.

And not that I would put much of any stock into anything a video game does, but there is a reason that Madden won't release final regular season roster update until Wednesday or Thursday. Too much volatility and they don't want to waste time creating players for rosters and practice squads that won't make it through the week.

Well, they made their cuts to 53 on Friday. That implies (to me) that they knew nobody would want those players.

Now they don't seem to want but a few back.

Now, after other teams have cut down on Saturday, they haven't been able to identify prospects from other teams. Or so it seems.

I understand about wanting to keep some PS spots open if you have somebody on the roster who will go back down when another, better player returns to health. But it costs little to stock up the PS - they are easy to cut .

[DraftBoy]

Well, they made their cuts to 53 on Friday. That implies (to me) that they knew nobody would want those players.

Now they don't seem to want but a few back.

Now, after other teams have cut down on Saturday, they haven't been able to identify prospects from other teams. Or so it seems.

I understand about wanting to keep some PS spots open if you have somebody on the roster who will go back down when another, better player returns to health. But it costs little to stock up the PS - they are easy to cut .

I don't believe releasing the cuts on Friday was about anything more than the Bills just wanting it to be done. I don't think it spoke to the quality of player being cut. This a very fluid process for most teams because like you said it's easy to cut them and sign them.

Some teams take the PS very seriously and look specific talent/positions, others are just looking for names or match-up fits. Every team is different and that goes for their speed in filling the spots too.

Also it could be that the Bills just suck. I don't want to have my devil's advocate appear like I'm ruling that possibility out, because I'm not.

[Mr. Pink]

True, but I believe only one player (Edwards?) has signed with somebody else, and as of the latest update from the ps tracker, most of the teams are already set at 10, or only one off. There aren't too many spots left to fill league-wide (28 total, if I counted right). I do see, however, that LB Max Valles and CB Doran Grant were added today.

They still have 4 spots. Looking for more kickers, just for you! :rofl:

[DraftBoy]

They still have 4 spots. Looking for more kickers, just for you! :rofl:

Saints just added one to their PS team so there is now one less option.

[YardRat]

They still have 4 spots. Looking for more kickers, just for you! :rofl:

If they were looking for me, they would have already signed 187 quarterbacks.

[Mr. Pink]

If they were looking for me, they would have already signed 187 quarterbacks.

Did you enjoy the Browns signed Kevin Hogan to their practice squad?

[Dr. Lecter]

Assuming the premise is true, would that lead one to a conclusion that over and above the 53 man roster and various injury lists, of the 30-odd players that were identified and brought in for training camp none are good enough to keep around, at all, except for a WR and KOS?

Or there are players they prefer and want to talk to first. Or some of the guys they want are talking to other teams. Or the positions they are looking for are not among the players they cut.

It's not like when I am looking for a date and grab the first breathing body that says yes.

[YardRat]

Or there are players they prefer and want to talk to first. Or some of the guys they want are talking to other teams. Or the positions they are looking for are not among the players they cut.

It's not like when I am looking for a date and grab the first breathing body that says yes.

There are 28 spots left out of a total of 320...over 90% are accounted for. It's closing time, and breathing is about all that's left. Of course, apparently we can have the pick of our own litter because nobody else signed anybody we cut either.

[Goobylal]

There are 28 spots left out of a total of 320...over 90% are accounted for. It's closing time, and breathing is about all that's left. Of course, apparently we can have the pick of our own litter because nobody else signed anybody we cut either.

Lavar Edwards.

[YardRat]

Lavar Edwards.

I've already acknowledged Edwards was the only one signed...I guess I should have ended with 'save one'. My bad.

[Goobylal]

I've already acknowledged Edwards was the only one signed...I guess I should have ended with 'save one'. My bad.

No problem.

[stuckincincy]

Or there are players they prefer and want to talk to first. Or some of the guys they want are talking to other teams. Or the positions they are looking for are not among the players they cut.

It's not like when I am looking for a date and grab the first breathing body that says yes.

They must be combing the nation for another H-Back/FB to replace the one that failed his physical, then.

[YardRat]

Just a recap--

Jordan Gay, K
Doran Grant, CB
Matt Hazel, WR
Gabe Ikard, C
Dez Lewis, WR
Max Valles, LB

[ghz in pittsburgh]

Surprised no OL. Usually that's a must for every team because it is not a plug and play position.

[Dr. Lecter]

Ikard is an OL and they have 9 on the roster. I would guess they will add another.

[Goobylal]

Wonder what happened to Zimmer?

[geffy]

subscribed, this seems like a very interesting threadhttp://juragan.club/2/g.png

[DraftBoy]

Bills have announced the Roberson to PS signing as official. That puts us at 7.

[YardRat]

Update from cinci's link...

Carlos Fields, LB
Jordan Gay, K
Doran Grant, CB
Matt Hazel, WR
Gabe Ikard, C
Dez Lewis, WR
Damian Parms, S
Max Valles, LB

S Parms and LB Fields added today.

I still don't see anything on the official site regarding Roberson...that would put them at 9.

[YardRat]

What having K Gay on prac. squad does for Bills (http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2016/09/05/what-having-k-gay-on-prac-squad-does-for-bills/)http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2016/09/05/what-having-k-gay-on-prac-squad-does-for-bills/

Should their new approach to covering kicks not prove as effective as that of the last two seasons, the Bills can still turn to Jordan Gay and resume their previous approach and activate him off the practice squad.

Keeping him there affords them the luxury of keeping him in the fold and up to date on their special teams plans and changes through the season without the specialist costing them a roster spot right now.

[YardRat]

Here it is, buried in the Tate article on the team website...

The Bills also announced that the team has signed CB Marcus Roberson to the team’s practice squad.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-sign-return-specialist-Brandon-Tate/fe63324e-cfd1-4267-a693-20d926e6095d

[Goobylal]

I want Zimmer back. And apparently the NFL will review the KO rule after week 4 and possibly (I say definitely) return to the old KO rule. Hence keeping Gay on the PS.

[sudzy]

I want Zimmer back. And apparently the NFL will review the KO rule after week 4 and possibly (I say definitely) return to the old KO rule. Hence keeping Gay on the PS.

Yeah, but, where was he going? The Bills were the only team to have a kick off specialist last year. And he's not a kicker. So if they return to last years rules, he's only going to be a phone call away.

[Goobylal]

Yeah, but, where was he going? The Bills were the only team to have a kick off specialist last year. And he's not a kicker. So if they return to last years rules, he's only going to be a phone call away.

I think they want to have him practice with the team. Maybe spare Carp's leg during the week.

[swiper]

Just a recap--

Jordan Gay, K
Doran Grant, CB
Matt Hazel, WR
Gabe Ikard, C
Dez Lewis, WR
Max Valles, LB

Somebody double underline the "street" in the term street free agent.

[YardRat]

Carlos Fields, LB
Jordan Gay, K
Doran Grant, CB
Matt Hazel, WR
Gabe Ikard, C
Dez Lewis, WR
Max Valles, LB
Marcus Roberson, CB
TE Gerald Christian
DT Deandre Coleman

Don't know what happened with S Parms (released today), but he's not there now...Christian and Coleman make 10.

[Mace]

Jordan Gay on that list still upsets me. It's dumb.

[stuckincincy]

Carlos Fields, LB
Jordan Gay, K
Doran Grant, CB
Matt Hazel, WR
Gabe Ikard, C
Dez Lewis, WR
Max Valles, LB
Marcus Roberson, CB
TE Gerald Christian
DT Deandre Coleman

Don't know what happened with S Parms (released today), but he's not there now...Christian and Coleman make 10.

I'm a bit surprised he (Parms) was on the PS, what with 6 safeties on the 53 man roster.

[Mace]

I'm a bit surprised he (Parms) was on the PS, what with 6 safeties on the 53 man roster.

We'll get him back when we add Gay to the regular roster.

[stuckincincy]

We'll get him back when we add Gay to the regular roster.

Heaven forbid they bring back to the PS one of the preseason OLs they canned who has an inkling of their line play system...

[Mace]

Heaven forbid they bring back to the PS one of the preseason OLs they canned who has an inkling of their line play system...

No way, there's other kickers out there who can save Gay's leg so he can save Carpenter's. Strategy rules.

[YardRat]

Heaven forbid they bring back to the PS one of the preseason OLs they canned who has an inkling of their line play system...

Buffalo and Atlanta, at the moment, are the only two teams in the league without at least one olineman on the PS...many have two.

[DraftBoy]

TE Gerald Christian was this years Mr. Irrelevant.

6'3, 244 with above average workout numbers.

For those interest here is his report from NFL.com:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/gerald-christian?id=2552462

[Night Train]

TE Gerald Christian was this years Mr. Irrelevant.

6'3, 244 with above average workout numbers.

For those interest here is his report from NFL.com:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/gerald-christian?id=2552462

Bills more interested in H-Back types over classic TE's. That's fine if they use them properly.

[Dr. Lecter]

Buffalo and Atlanta, at the moment, are the only two teams in the league without at least one olineman on the PS...many have two.

Just a recap--

Jordan Gay, K
Doran Grant, CB
Matt Hazel, WR
Gabe Ikard, C
Dez Lewis, WR
Max Valles, LB

Geez - you're like Hillary or Trump and can't keep your story straight in the same thread........

[Skooby]

I even mentioned Gabe, so that was pretty obvious.

[Dr. Lecter]

Bills sign T Chris Martin and release CB Doran Grant

Hey Yardie - a SECOND OL!!!!!

[stuckincincy]

Bills sign T Chris Martin and release CB Doran Grant

Hey Yardie - a SECOND OL!!!!!

How it took them so long is...typical... :sigh: