The Buffalo Bills have put the finishing touches on their first practice-squad roster of the 2026 NFL season, with the news official now revealing a group of 17 players having signed contracts on August 31. By rostering defensive lineman Travis Clayton (who is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program), the Bills are able to include a 17th player on the practice squad this season.
Ryan Talbot was among the first to share the names of 13 players sticking with Buffalo, confirming that wide receiver Greg Dortch is among those heading to One Bills Drive. Dortch was released by the Arizona Cardinals over the weekend. He brings a dynamic element as a receiver after the catch and as a potential punt returner.
Additionally, the Bills are bringing back inside linebacker Shaq Thompson via the practice squad, per a report by Jay Skurski. Widely considered the team’s best linebacker last season, Thompson played a key role with Buffalo in 2025, highlighted by his elite leadership intangibles.
Interestingly, fan-favorite running back Ian Wheeler is not part of the team’s initial practice squad plans, per Ryan Talbot. Reportedly, Wheeler turned down an offer to join the Bills’ practice squad, per a report by Greg Gabriel.
Among other notable initial absences are cornerback Tre’Davious White, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and linebacker Matt Milano. IT remains to be seen if any of those three find their way back to One Bills Drive later this season.
Buffalo Bills’ initial 2026 practice squad roster
OT Nick Broeker
QB Shane Buechele
DL Travis Clayton (International Player Pathway roster exemption)
DB Te’Cory Couch
WR Greg Dortch
RB Frank Gore Jr.
WR Stephen Gosnell
ILB Keonta Jenkins
OLB Andre Jones Jr.
CB Anthony Kendall
OT Chase Lundt
WR Ja’Mori Maclin
WR Trent Sherfield
S Geno Stone
ILB Shaq Thompson
CB Kani Walker
OT Jedrick Wills Jr.
If you’re curious to learn more about NFL practice squads and the rules governing how teams conduct the business of maintaining a practice roster, be sure to check out Buffalo Rumblings’ PS 101, by Sara Larson.
