CBS Sports: The Buffalo Bills cut ties with veteran lineman, one day prior to the crucial game.
A experienced offensive lineman was released as part of the Buffalo Bills’ flurry of roster changes prior to their matchup with the Detroit Lions.
Will Clapp, a lineman who made the active roster but had been a healthy scratch the whole season, was cut by the Bills on December 14. Two defensive players coming back from injured reserve will be able to participate thanks to the transfer.
The Bills must turn to the practice squad for depth as they enter Sunday’s game dealing with some serious ailments.
Bills Making Room on the Roster
After making a big impact with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, the 29-year-old Clapp joined the Bills. He played in 75% of the team’s offensive snaps, had 14 appearances, and started 11 of them. During his seven-year NFL career, Clapp has made 65 appearances, 21 of which have been starts.
Clapp has yet to play in a game this season, despite having performed well enough in training camp to secure a position on the final 53-man roster. Jalen Virgil, a wide receiver who joined the active roster from the practice squad due to a string of injuries to the team’s wide receiving corps, was also cut by the Bills. Virgil and Clapp could both be eligible to rejoin the team’s practice squad.
Both linebacker Baylon Spector and defensive end Dawuane Smoot returned off injured reserve as a result of the changes.
The Bills may still have defensive shortages for Sunday’s game, particularly in the secondary, despite the returns. Safeties Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp are classified as doubtful for Sunday, and the club has already ruled out starting cornerback Rasul Douglas.
Kareem Jackson was promoted off the practice squad by the Bills in an effort to increase their depth at safety. Micah Hyde, a veteran safety who rejoined the organization earlier this month, was not called up by the team.
Hyde spent seven seasons with the Bills, making his final appearance in the team’s divisional-round defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs the previous season. However, he was undecided about whether to retire or play one more season. Hyde stated that he is prepared to assume any position that the Bills require of him after re-signing.
“I’m here to help, whether it’s older men assisting young people with their on-field tasks or helping them comprehend the NFL both on and off the field. This is a new job for me, but I’m pleased about it since I’m an open book. And I’m now prepared to succeed.
Bills Must Pass a Crucial Test
The Bills and their defense, which had trouble stopping the Los Angeles Rams in their 44-42 loss last week, may be put to the test in Sunday’s game against the Lions. With a 12-1 record that is tied for the best in the NFL this season, the Lions have the finest offensive in the league.
The Bills are attempting to catch up to the Chiefs for the top AFC berth, despite having already won their sixth consecutive division title. The Chiefs are now two games ahead of them.
