ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills open the 2023 NFL regular season at the New York Jets on Sept. 11 at MetLife Stadium.
There aren't many roster spots open for grabs on a talented Bills roster, but the Bills face some big decisions . How exactly the roster shakes out will be impacted by whether pass-rusher Von Miller is occupying a spot on the initial 53 or if he will miss at least the first four games while he rehabs his right knee following ACL surgery and start the season on the physically unable to perform list.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection for the Bills:
QUARTERBACK (2): Josh Allen, Kyle Allen
With Matt Barkley's right elbow injury and three-interception day in the second preseason game, Kyle Allen took back the lead for the backup quarterback job, but didn't look great despite significant playing time against the Bears. Barkley should land on the practice squad. Either way, the Bills right now shouldn't feel much confidence in the options behind Josh Allen.
RUNNING BACK (3): James Cook, Latavius Murray, Damien Harris
This has become pretty simple for the Bills with Nyheim Hines out for the season. Cook is in line for a big role, while Murray has had a good camp and taken advantage of Harris missing time with an injury. The two will compete for opportunities in short-yardage situations.
FULLBACK (1): Reggie Gilliam
Gilliam is the only fullback in camp, and he'll continue to be part of the Bills offense and play a key role on special teams.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Trent Sherfield, Deonte Harty, Khalil Shakir, Justin Shorter
The final wide receiver spot is tricky. Shorter, the team's fifth-round pick, seems like he gets the final spot, with his ability to contribute on special teams and following a strong camp. Andy Isabella's stock has risen over the course of camp, including getting significant opportunities as a returner. He's one to watch as a potential for the practice squad at minimum.
TIGHT END (3): Dawson Knox, Dalton Kincaid, Quintin Morris
No big question marks here. Knox and Kincaid both have roles with the starting offense. Morris has made some impressive catches throughout camp, in addition to having a role on special teams.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Dion Dawkins, Spencer Brown, Connor McGovern, Mitch Morse, O'Cyrus Torrence, Ryan Bates, David Edwards, David Quessenberry, Ryan Van Demark
The big question here is if the Bills will add outside help for depth at tackle with the injuries at the position and Brandon Shell's retirement. It's the position on the roster with the least amount of depth and the team could use more options at swing tackle. Starting left guard McGovern is also now one to watch after suffering a knee injury this past week, and Ike Boettger's roster spot may depend on McGovern's availability.
DEFENSIVE LINE (9): Greg Rousseau, Leonard Floyd, AJ Epenesa, Boogie Basham, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Poona Ford, Jordan Phillips, Tim Settle
This is a pretty settled group, and the interior defensive line is arguably the deepest position on the roster. The only real uncertainty is whether Miller is occupying a roster spot to start the season, which could impact this group and/or another position.
LINEBACKERS (6): Matt Milano, Tyrel Dodson, A.J. Klein, Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Tyler Matakevich
General manager Brandon Beane said during the game against Bears that Bernard should work his way back into practice this week after suffering a hamstring injury before the first preseason game. While Dodson seems to have the leg up in the starting middle linebacker competition right now, Klein will likely get a roster spot, despite not contributing much on special teams -- in part because of injuries at the position with Baylon Spector leaving Saturday's game early with a hamstring injury.
CORNERBACKS (6): Tre'Davious White, Dane Jackson, Taron Johnson, Christian Benford, Kaiir Elam, Siran Neal
The outside cornerback position opposite White remains open, but Jackson has been the leader there for some time. The Bills' coaching staff continues to give Benford and Elam more playing time to see if they can earn the job. Similar to last season, it would not be a surprise to see a variety of corners play throughout the year.
SAFETIES (5): Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cam Lewis
Since late in OTAs, Hamlin has integrated into practice like any other player, and he has earned a spot on the roster as a backup safety and special teams contributor. Both Lewis and Rapp make the roster as they each can contribute in a variety of roles.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3): Tyler Bass, Sam Martin, Reid Ferguson
No competitions among the specialists in Bills camp, so this one is pretty cut-and-dried. Bass will have the same holder for consecutive seasons for the first time in his career.