K.J. Hamler
Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
KJ Hamler is not projected to make the Buffalo Bills out of training camp this year.
The Buffalo Bills were just like every NFL team on Tuesday, making tough roster decisions. It’s challenging for every team to part ways with players who have performed well throughout training camp. But the NFL only allows 53 men on a roster at the start of the regular season.
Buffalo Made Changes On Tuesday
Buffalo has a harder time with roster cuts than most teams, as its roster is exceptionally loaded. Cutting the 54th player for most teams is parting ways with a fringe NFL player. However, cutting the 54th player on the Bills is getting rid of someone who can play on Sundays.
The Bills made a few roster cuts in the receiving room. Before the season started, the Bills signed a handful of veteran receivers, Joshua Palmer, K.J. Hamler, Elijah Moore, and Laviska Shenault Jr.
On Tuesday, the Bills parted ways with Shenault and Hamler. It was going to be a long shot for Hamler to make the roster, as he hadn’t played football since 2022. The last time Hamler played in a regular-season game, he was a member of the Denver Broncos.
Even though Hamler won’t be on the Bills’ active roster, it doesn’t mean he can’t be part of the team. The NFL allows players to be placed on practice squads, where they can practice and even be added to the active roster for games, but only a limited number are permitted.
Since Hamler has NFL experience, putting him on the practice squad would be an excellent thing for Buffalo. If the Bills ever lose a starting receiver to injury, Hamler could come in and take his place.
Bills Urged to Keep Hamler On The Practice Squad
Ronnie Eastham from the Buffalo Bills On SI thinks Hamler would be a great candidate for the practice squad.
“Hamler adds a spark to the receiving room with his quickness and speed. Keeping him around on the practice squad gives the Bills a versatile player that can step into the offense and also be the team’s featured return man should injury hit Brandon Codrington,” Eastham wrote.
Hamler is 26 years old and has played in 23 NFL games after being drafted by Denver in 2020. When Hamler was coming out of Penn State, he was viewed as a guy who could be a team’s No. 2 receiver. But he never came close to that with the Broncos. Now he’s looking to be part of an NFL roster.
The Bills will need everyone, including all 53-man roster players and practice squad players, to win the Super Bowl this year. An NFL season is 18 weeks long, and that doesn’t even count the playoffs. Injuries will happen, and players will need to step up.
Even though Hamler isn’t on the active roster right now, it doesn’t mean he won’t be making plays in the Super Bowl in five months. The Bills will take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 next Sunday night to kick off their 2025 season.