Which Bills Need a Big Preseason Finale?

We’ve made it to Week 3 of the preseason, which means the Buffalo Bills, and the other 31 NFL teams, will need to trim their rosters from 80 to 53 by 4 pm next Tuesday (August 30). Many Bills players are in positional battles and fighting for a roster spot on the active roster. So, who needs a big preseason finale to stay on the team?

Tommy Sweeney

Tommy Sweeney arrived in Buffalo as a seventh-round pick in 2019, and has been pretty quiet ever since. Missing the 2020 season with a heart condition, Sweeney has had two healthy seasons in the league, totaling 158 yards and one touchdown in 19 career games. If the Bills do keep three TEs on their roster, Sweeney will most likely be battling with 2020 UDFA Quintin Morris. Morris has received some praise from head coach Sean McDermott.

“When you turn the film on, he’s able to bend, block in line, and gives good reps as a receiver.” Morris seems to have what the coaching staff is looking for in a tight end, which may push Sweeney off the roster.

McDermott on Quintin Morris’ performance this Summer (Courtesy of Joe Buscaglia/The Athletic)

Jake Kumerow

Kumerow is going into his third year with the team after signing with Buffalo during the 2020 season. The Buffalo Bills WR room is more crowded this year than when he first joined, with the additions of Jamison Crowder and Khalil Shakir, and the emergence of Isaiah Hodgins. Kumerow will need to prove he can contribute on special teams and offense in order to make the 53-man roster. “Touchdown Jesus” as fans (and Aaron Rodgers) call him, may be on the outside looking in, even if Josh Allen once said he is his favorite wideout.

Shaq Lawson

Lawson reunited with the Bills this offseason after leaving in free agency in 2020. Now, the 28-year old faces more competition this year than he had in his first stint. With Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Boogie Basham in front of him, Lawson will have to prove why he should be the fifth pass rusher. Considering Lawson was on the field late in the fourth quarter against Denver, he may have a tougher time making this team than some people thought. Shaq will need to play lights out if he wants to make the roster. If he can, the Bills will have all the players they need for the defensive line to succeed.

The Bills close out the preseason against the Carolina Panthers on Friday August 26 at 7:00 EST.

Featured Image: Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports