The Bills announced their Divisional round players the team has placed on the protected portion of their practice squad via the NFL’s transaction wire on Tuesday ahead of their game with the Baltimore Ravens (11-5).
We have some minor changes, all of which make easy sense with some quick connecting of the dots.
First, here’s the list of four players who will be protected on the team’s practice squad this week ahead of Saturday’s meeting with the Ravens:
- RB Antonio Williams
- OL Jonotthan Harrison
- WR Kenny Stills
- LB Darron Lee
Last week, there was only one difference. Williams was not protected, offensive lineman Jordan Devey was.
The reason for that swap out was because Devey was actually signed to Buffalo’s 53-man active roster on Tuesday. Making room for his there was running back Zack Moss, who was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. His season is over.
Considering the Bills can still callup players from the practice squad in the playoffs, the practice squad, and even more so the protected area, is like an extension of the 53. If Williams is to replace Moss in the lineup, he’ll be called up by the Bills. The only other running back on Buffalo’s roster is TJ Yeldon, in terms of guys who could backup starter Devin Singletary.
Along with Williams, running back Devonta Freeman was also added to the Bills’ practice squad on Monday. He was likely not protected because him potentially playing would depend on if he picks up the playbook quick enough. He’s eligible to play, but Williams has spent much more time in Buffalo. He’s the safer player to protect in that regard.
In general, there’s just really little reason to think Freeman would be plucked anyway since he was just free to sign with anyone over the weekend but chose the Bills.
For more info on the PS protections, check out our previous explanation on the “protected” practice squad situation, a new addition to the NFL this season, from our Week 1 coverage here:
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the United States, the NFL’s owners and players came to an offseason agreement that we’ve seen the first installment of on Tuesday evening. Each team in the league can “protect” four players on their practice squad each week.
The idea is to provide some extra depth for teams in case of a COVID-19 outbreak in a locker room late in the week prior to a Sunday or Monday game. Those four can be called up to the active roster up until Sunday morning prior to kickoff every week.
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