ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills open the 2026 NFL regular season at the Houston Texans on Sept. 13 (1 p.m. ET, CBS) at Reliant Stadium. But first, they play one more preseason game Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7 p.m. ET, NFL Network) and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
While this roster largely carries over familiar faces on the offensive side of the ball, some tough decisions will have to be made on defense. This is the first year of transitioning to coordinator Jim Leonhard's new scheme, and the players who fit it best will translate to roster decisions that could look different than previous seasons. There are close calls to be made at multiple groups, including inside linebacker, outside cornerback and offensive line.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Bills.
Quarterbacks (2)
It's the all-Allen lineup once again. The goal here for the Bills will be to bring back quarterback Shane Buechele to the practice squad.
Running backs (3)
James Cook III, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson
The only question at the position is Johnson's health. He is dealing with a lower-body injury, per coach Joe Brady, and hasn't practiced since Aug. 8. Otherwise, this group is solid.
Fullbacks (1)
The veteran became the only fullback on the roster when rookie undrafted free agent Jackson Acker was cut. There, however, is a huge question mark if the Bills will keep a fullback on the roster, especially with Brady's comments on Thursday that the team is evaluating if fullback is "a position and a role that we'll be able to have on our football team." This one is close.
Wide receivers (6)
DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Skyler Bell, Mecole Hardman Jr.
To keep a punt returner or not? That's the question. The Bills showed they are wondering about it themselves by trying out Ray Davis, who is the primary kickoff returner, at punt returner to start both preseason games. Hardman has played behind other receivers, and if the Bills can go Davis at both returner spots, that opens a space elsewhere. Injuries could end up forcing the Bills to keep a six, so Hardman is on for now as he serves multiple roles, but that could easily change.
Tight ends (3)
Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes
This is another group that is relatively locked in. Keleki Latu has certainly stood out this camp, and if there were more roster spots, it would certainly make sense for the Bills to keep him. Otherwise, the biggest question at tight end is if Kincaid can stay healthy.
Offensive linemen (9)
Dion Dawkins, Alec Anderson, Connor McGovern, O'Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, Austin Corbett, Jude Bowry, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Tylan Grable
The Bills have shown just how they feel about Cushenberry, as he has taken over as first-team center in McGovern's absence because of a right leg injury. There is a tough decision to be made for the final spot. Sedrick Van Pran-Granger has an argument to be rostered, but the nod will go to Grable, who provides depth at tackle.
Defensive linemen (11)
Bradley Chubb, Greg Rousseau, Michael Hoecht, TJ Parker, Javon Solomon, Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, Landon Jackson, T.J. Sanders, Zane Durant, Greg Gaines
This group appeared to have solidified itself when Phidarian Mathis was suspended for three games, but then the Bills signed veteran DT Greg Gaines. This week will be a crucial one for DeWayne Carter to prove a roster spot should be his. There could be a conversation about OLB Mike Danna as well, but the nod here will go to the 2024 fifth-round draft pick in Solomon.
Linebackers (4)
Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Keonta Jenkins
This position makes for one of the toughest decisions. Losing Buffalo legend Joe Andreessen is tough, and there's a good chance he ends up on the roster over Jenkins or that the Bills decide to keep five inside linebackers. This is a coin flip, but Jenkins has had played strong of late.
Cornerbacks (6)
Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston, Davison Igbinosun, Kani Walker, Dee Alford, Jordan Hancock
Walker is the only question mark here. If the team decides to add at outside corner, Walker would be the person to lose his spot. But as the roster currently stands, more bodies are needed at a position general manager Brandon Beane values investing in and the rookie undrafted free agent has impressed.
Safeties (5)
Cole Bishop, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Damar Hamlin, Jalon Kilgore, Sam Franklin Jr.
Hamlin has put together a solid camp. As he has done in years past, Hamlin's availability and reliability in the summer have shown his value. He has been a most consistent backup with Gardner-Johnson missing time. This could be a close decision with veteran Geno Stone, while the special teams capabilities of Kilgore and Franklin are important.
Special teams (3)
Tyler Bass (K), Tommy Doman Jr. (P), Reid Ferguson (LS)
The only slight question here was punter, but it was Doman's job to lose, and he secured it over veteran Mitch Wishnowsky early on. No training camp competition was ever brought in for Bass, showing the team's confidence in the kicker.