- James Cook, Frank Gore Jr beside each other - Red lightning bolts in the background
- James Cook, Frank Gore Jr beside each other - Red lightning bolts in the background
The Buffalo Bills certainly have enough talent to make difficult decisions, and now that depth is becoming their biggest headache. A so far undefeated summer has left Sean McDermott's staff with an enviable problem as the roster deadline approaches. Nowhere is the squeeze more painful than in the backfield. That's where Frank Gore Jr and Ian Wheeler have turned a seemingly minor depth battle into one of the most compelling competitions on the entire roster. With James Cook III entrenched atop the depth chart and Ray Davis and Ty Johnson providing proven complementary options, Buffalo may have room for only one more traditional running back.
Overwhelming organizational depth
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) carries the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) defends during the first half at Huntington Bank Field.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) carries the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) defends during the first half at Huntington Bank Field.
The Bills launched their exhibition slate by inaugurating their state-of-the-art venue with a commanding 29-14 triumph over the Carolina Panthers. When the coaching staff rested nearly the entire starting lineup for a road showdown against the Cleveland Browns, the reserve units delivered a masterclass. They pulled away for an emphatic 31-7 rout. Meanwhile, the defense's new Base 3-4 scheme has smothered opposing offenses, allowing an average of fewer than 200 total yards per contest. Now, the front office faces the daunting reality that several legitimate NFL-caliber contributors simply cannot fit onto the active roster.
Crowded backfield
When evaluating the entire depth chart, the most agonizing decision facing Buffalo resides directly in the running back room. Gore has become a fan favorite, but his place on the final roster is threatened by the explosive Wheeler.
Again, Cook remains the clear centerpiece after his spectacular production atop the league's rushing hierarchy. Davis and Johnson provide established complementary options. Add fullback Ben VanSumeren to the equation, however, and the roster math becomes increasingly unforgiving.
Keeping four traditional tailbacks alongside a dedicated fullback is a luxury in the NFL. Doing so would mean sacrificing depth somewhere else. That makes the Gore-Wheeler competition a philosophical decision about what Buffalo wants from its final offensive roster spot.
Does the team prioritize the dependable runner who understands the offense? Do they chase the explosive athletic ceiling?
Vision against explosion
Gore and Wheeler represent two completely different interpretations of what a reserve running back should provide. Gore's appeal begins with his running style. He is a decisive, north-south runner who consistently searches for the correct crease. His low center of gravity allows him to absorb contact. Meanwhile, his vision gives him an ability to salvage yardage when blocking breaks down.
Gore's understanding of pass protection also gives Buffalo a reliable option on obvious passing downs. His situational awareness allows offensive coaches to keep the playbook intact. A reserve back who knows where to be can be more valuable than a more explosive player who occasionally creates assignment problems.
Wheeler, however, presents an entirely different proposition. His track-level speed can transform an ordinary handoff into an explosive play. Give him a crease on the perimeter, and the defense can suddenly be defending 60 yards of grass rather than 10. That kind of acceleration is difficult to manufacture through scheme alone.
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More importantly, Wheeler's athletic profile gives him a legitimate avenue to contribute on special teams. At the bottom of a roster, those third-phase contributions can become decisive.
Gore gives Buffalo certainty. Wheeler gives Buffalo possibility. Now, the Bills have to determine which one is more valuable.
Waiver wire gamble
The most painful part of the equation is the possibility that Buffalo cannot simply move the losing candidate to its practice squad. Both backs have generated enough preseason attention to make waiver-wire exposure dangerous. A team searching for inexpensive backfield depth could easily identify either player as a worthwhile claim. That means Buffalo risks losing a legitimate contributor without receiving anything in return. That is the type of roster decision that can linger long after September.
Choose the right philosophy
Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. (20) looks on after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
General manager Brandon Beane and head coach Joe Brady have repeatedly emphasized competition and versatility. However, cutdown day strips away all sentimentality. The Bills just cannot keep everyone. The roster spot occupied by Gore or Wheeler could instead go to another offensive lineman, defensive contributor, or special-teams specialist.
There is a compelling argument for Gore because Buffalo knows exactly what it will receive. He can keep the offense on schedule and handle difficult situations without requiring a specialized package.
Yet Wheeler may ultimately possess the more difficult trait to replace. Speed changes defensive behavior. It forces safeties to respect the perimeter and gives offensive coordinators access to explosive plays. If Buffalo believes Wheeler can develop into a reliable all-around contributor, keeping him may represent the smarter long-term investment.