As the Buffalo Bills prepare to kick off the 2026 season Sunday against the Houston Texans, Bills fans have been curious about a few positional battles, including who would claim the WR3 job and who would handle punt returns.
We got preliminary answers to some of those questions on Tuesday, when the Bills released their first depth chart of the regular season, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks studies the depth chart to offer up the key takeaways.
Check out the assessments below and then let us know your thoughts on the depth chart in the comments section.
Dorian Williams starting at ILB and other news from depth chart
Rookie linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr generated plenty of buzz with his play this preseason, but in the official depth chart released by the Bills, it was Dorian Williams, and not Elarms-Orr, listed as the starter at inside linebacker. While fans can expect Elarms-Orr to see the field for plenty of snaps this year, it appears head coach Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard are opting for experience when it comes to who starts alongside Terrel Bernard.
In other depth chart news, despite a lack of depth at cornerback, nickel corner Dee Alford was listed as the primary punt returner ahead of running back Ray Davis and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Speaking of wide receivers, Keon Coleman was listed as the No. 3 wideout, ahead of Palmer.
We also offer up some predictions for the Bills this year; identify eight key players who will determine how successful Buffalo is in its quest for a Super Bowl title; and more!
- 3 takeaways from Buffalo Bills’ Week 1 depth chart ahead of Texans matchup – newyorkupstate.com
- Is the Bills’ roster strong enough? A position-by-position look at the depth chart – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Dee Alford listed as main punt returner on Bills’ depth chart – WGR 550
- Buffalo Bills’ Week 1 Depth Chart Answers Eight Questions Heading into Sunday Opener – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Josh Allen is 30 years old. History tells us age won’t matter for him or the Bills – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- From DJ Moore to Cole Bishop, 8 Bills who could swing the 2026 season – The Athletic (subscription required)
- Barnwell predicts the NFL playoff field: 14 teams that will make the postseason, plus a Super Bowl pick – ESPN.com
- Are the Rams inevitable? Is it finally Josh Allen’s turn? Our 2026 NFL predictions – The Athletic (subscription required)
- 2026 NFL Season Predictions: Super Bowl, Playoffs and Award Winners From the MMQB Staff – Sports Illustrated
- Allen, Jackson, Burrow lead NFL MVP faves; non-QBs top OROY odds – ESPN.com
Even more Bills news
Examining which six players will serve as captains for the upcoming season. Plus, hear how far former coach Sean McDermott thinks the Bills will go this year; find out which former second-round draft pick was brought in for possible depth along the offensive line; get hyped for the start of the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Allen; and more!
- Bills name six captains for 2026 season – WGR 550
- Bills select 2026 team captains – BuffaloBills.com
- Former Bills head coach Sean McDermott predicts Buffalo will reach Super Bowl LXI – NFL.com
- Buffalo Bills kick the tires on former offensive lineman Cody Ford – newyorkupstate.com
- Bills Explore Familiar Option Searching for Veteran Offensive Line Depth – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- 2026 Buffalo Bills Season Hype Video With Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Allen – BuffaloBills.com
- AAA can come in handy for Bills fans on game days. Now the two are partners – Buffalo News (subscription required)
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