The Buffalo Bills are making even more changes to their wide receiver room, shelving one struggling veteran in favor of another who is making his return to the active roster.
The team announced on Friday that Curtis Samuel would be heading to injured reserve as he struggled with injuries, with the team moving Gabe Davis from the practice squad to the active roster. The Bills have gone through a mid-season shakeup on offense, making several moves in the hope of reviving their struggling passing game.
Curtis Samuel’s Disappointing Tenure Takes New Turn
The Bills had high hopes for Samuel when they landed him in free agency prior to the 2024 season, but he has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. He finished last season with 31 receptions for 253 yards and one touchdown — all career lows for full seasons.
Samuel has also had a light impact this year, making just seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown in six games.
The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries this season, missing time with elbow and knee injuries. He will be forced to miss a minimum of four games, making him eligible to return for the conclusion of the regular season.
Davis returned to the team before the start of the season after spending the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He suffered a season-ending injury and spent the first part of this year recovering, but has played in each of the last two games and made four receptions for 62 yards.
More Changes for the Bills
The Bills already made one addition to their wide receiving corps during the season, signing veteran Mecole Hardman but watching him suffer an injury in his first game. He has since been placed on injured reserve, but the Bills made another addition this week when they signed Brandin Cooks following his release by the New Orleans Saints.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen predicted that the veteran receiver could have an immediate impact, saying he is already well-acquainted with the offense.
“I think bringing a guy like him in and being a veteran presence for our room, he’s come in here, he’s already basically learned our playbook,” Allen said, via the Buffalo News. “He’s an extremely high football IQ guy. He’s been around the league for a long time. The way that he carries himself, the way that is in meetings, already it’s very apparent that he’s a true professional.
“(To) come out here and practice the way he did says a lot about who he is as a person, as a player. And we appreciate him coming here and hopefully helping us out.”
Cooks said he has his own expectations, hoping he can make an impact both on the field and in the locker room.
“Honestly, first and foremost, jump in here and be the best teammate I can possibly be,” Cooks said. “You feel that around here. Thatâs what Iâm about. Be a leader. At the end of the day, come out here and remind people around this league that Iâm still a playmaker and thatâs my expectation. Go out there and make plays. Be the best teammate I can possibly be and let the rest take care of itself.”
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