Buffalo Bills Could Make Surprise Running Back Move Ahead Of Houston Texans Week 1 Game
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Buffalo Bills might shake up their running back room right before their Week 1 game against the Houston Texans.
Buffalo starts the season on the road in Houston this Sunday. The Bills are slight 1.5-point favorites, but they have a couple of injury headaches to sort out before game time.
The big question mark is running back Ty Johnson. Nobody knows for sure if he can play yet, and that might force the Bills to call up or make room for Frank Gore Jr. before kickoff.
Bills Could Elevate Frank Gore Jr. Before Week 1
Bills insider Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic predicted that Buffalo will elevate Gore from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. He also expects the team to elevate wide receiver and return specialist Greg Dortch.
“Projected practice squad elevations: RB Frank Gore Jr., WR/PR Greg Dortch,” Buscaglia wrote.
The move would make sense if Johnson cannot play. James Cook will enter the game as Buffalo’s starting running back, while Ray Davis should handle the backup role.
The Bills could still want another healthy option in the backfield. Elevating Gore would give them that depth.
Johnson remains questionable after dealing with an injury. Bills head coach Joe Brady listed Johnson among three players who could miss the game after Friday’s practice.
“TJ Sanders, Jordan Hancock, Ty Johnson — all will be questionable for the game. We’ll take it up to game time and see what that looks like,” Brady said.
Johnson did take part in some work during Friday’s practice. He said he felt good while handling the football and working with quarterback Josh Allen.
“I felt really good today, being out there, being able to do some handoffs and everything. Some ball handling with Josh, catch some routes and everything. So that’s really what it feels like I need,” Johnson said.
The running back also said the Bills’ trainers and staff have worked closely with him during his recovery. He continues to do extra film work while he rehabs.
“I’m feeling good, doing a lot of work and everything,” Johnson said. “The trainers and staff have been working with me heavily, so I’m feeling pretty good and doing everything I can.”
Gore has spent the last two years on Buffalo’s practice squad after going undrafted in 2024. He has made it onto the field for an NFL game before, but he only has one reception for six yards and hasn’t had a rushing attempt yet in his career.
All of that could change this Sunday if Johnson can’t go and the Bills bring Gore up to the main roster.
The Bills will face the Texans at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
