Buffalo Bills’ 1st 2026 practice squad includes familiar names, surprises

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Shaq Thompson #45 of the Buffalo Bills leads a huddle prior to an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Buffalo Bills are putting finishing touches on their first practice-squad roster of the 2026 NFL season, with a group of 14 known players having signed on to the practice group. Ryan Talbot shared 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.

The Bills still have three spots open thanks to the inclusion of defensive lineman Travis Clayton, who's part of the NFL International Player Pathway Program. By rostering Clayton, the Bills are able to add a 17th player to the practice squad.

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.

Buffalo Bills' initial 2026 practice squad roster

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
OLB Andre Jones Jr.
ILB Keonta Jenkins
OL Chase Lundt
WR Ja'Mori Maclin
WR Trent Sherfield
S Geno Stone
ILB Shaq Thompson
CB Kani Walker

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.