The Buffalo Bills have been hit with a spate of injuries after the first week of training camp, leading the team to part ways with a promising rookie cornerback to make room for some help at a hard-hit position.
The team announced on July 28 that they released defensive back Daryl Porter Jr., who joined the team as an undrafted free agent in April. The Bills used the open spot on the 90-man roster to add some help in the wide receiving corps, which saw several players go down with minor injuries over the past few days.
Bills Cut Loose Promising Rookie
Though he didn’t hear his name called in the NFL draft, Porter had hopes of earning a spot on the Bills roster or practice squad with a strong training camp. Sara Larson of SB Nation’s Buffalo Rumblings noted that he had a productive career with the Miami Hurricanes, making a total of 108 tackles, 18 passes defensed, and one interception during his time there.
“Standing 5â9 ½â and weighing 185 pounds, Porter has primarily lined up as a boundary corner â typically on the right side,” Larson wrote. “While his size is considered ordinary for the position, and he posted a modest 4.65-second 40-yard dash at the University of Miami Pro Day, Porter consistently made up for those limitations with sharp instincts, physical play, and a natural feel for timing his attacks at the catch point to break up passes.”
Larson added that Porter was a physical defensive back, which could have helped the Bills in run support.
“One of Porterâs standout traits is his aggressiveness as a tackler,” Larson wrote. “He isnât just willing in run support. Porter thrives there, diagnosing plays quickly and delivering technically sound hits.”
The Bills have plenty of competition at cornerback this summer, with first-round pick Maxwell Hairston vying with veterans Tre’Davious White and Dane Jackson for the starting spot opposite Christian Benford.
Bills Bring in Receiving Relief
The Bills used the open spot on the roster to bring back wide receiver Deon Cain, who spent time with the team in the 2024 season. The team put on pads for the first time at Monday’s practice but missed several key players, including wide receivers Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel, Kaden Prather, and tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox.
“It’s not ideal, especially with the names that are on there,” head coach Sean McDermott told reporters. “So, you’re trying to move the team forward and develop, but it also allows an opportunity for us to see somebody step in and do the job. So, that’s just the nature of the of the of having the injuries that we do.”
McDermott did have some good news on Shavers, who appeared to suffer a significant injury on Sunday when he hurt his ankle and needed help off the field.
“Tyrell with his ankle,” McDermott said. “Doesn’t seem to be serious so it looks like we’re in decent shape.”
The Bills could still have room for Porter to return once some of the injuries at wide receiver clear up.
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