Tight end (3)
Dawson Knox, Lee Smith, Tyler Kroft
PUP list: Tommy Sweeney
Cuts: Nate Becker, Jason Croom
Pretty cut and paste for the tight end unit throughout the entire offseason. This group has actually strangely been extremely quiet throughout the entire length of training camp. Just on Monday, we got our first real blip on the radar, though. Tyler Kroft is once again hurt and he suffered an injury nearly the same exactly way as he did in 2019… having his foot stepped on. We don’t know the severity of the injury just yet, but we’ll assume Kroft will be back in time for opening day.
That injury last season paved the way for Dawson Knox to become Buffalo’s No. 1 tight end, a job he’ll continue in next season. Despite some successes, Knox needs to improve his drop problem and rookie blocking abilities.
Info on Tommy Sweeney’s foot injury is currently scarce. He can be removed from the PUP list at any time before the first game, but he’s been on that designation for awhile now. Plus, offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, who’s expected to miss multiple games himself (chest) hasn’t been put on the PUP list, so… what gives here?
If Sweeney does come back, 2020 could be a big year for Knox and Sweeney if the Bills are going to move into the long-term future with both. In the short term, both will be be on the Bills roster again, as will Lee Smith, who will take the bulk of extra-blocking duties and provide a veteran presence. As early as 2021, the Bills could look to go in another direction here, but that’s a story for another day.
Perfectly placed ball here from Allen to TE Tommy Sweeney. #Bills pic.twitter.com/aFP5o4ZWvf
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) August 16, 2019