Just because wide receiver Andy Isabella didn't make the Buffalo Bills roster coming out of training camp, it doesn't mean they don't have plans for him.
Possibly big plans.
Isabella cleared waivers and was brought back immediately as a member of the practice squad, where he will continue to develop into a weapon the Bills will be able to rely on when things matter most.
The free agent didn't sign until after training camp began, but by the end of camp had earned some repetitions with the first team. Still, under the Bills' rigid but fair meritocracy, he will need to prove himself a little more behind the scenes.
Isabella was drafted out of Massachusetts by the Arizona Cardinals with the 66th overall pick in 2019. He spent a little more than three undistinguished seasons there before catching on with the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad last season. His career hasn't gone as envisioned, considered how high he was picked.
In 41 career games, the 5-foot-9, 190-pound slot specialist has caught just 33 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns. He also has some limited experience returning kickoffs and punts.
When the powers that be look at him, though, it's hard for them not to imagine the next Cole Beasley, who features a similar build and skillset. Beasley, in two stints wth the Bills, caught 233 passes for 2,456 yards and 11 TDs in 48 games.
"To start training camp and to learn this playbook and to be able to work his way up to some reps with the ones said a lot about what how we saw him and how ... the coaches and everyone in the building saw him work," general manager Brandon Beane raved on Wednesday. "He's a good player, and we're just going to continue to work him in our system.
"You know, we were glad to get him back. And he said some positive things yesterday when, you know, when Shawn I sat down with him to let him know, you know, we didn't have a spot right now on the 53. But, you know, we think he can play and we think as this year goes on, he'll help us."
The Bills are carrying just five wide receivers -- Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Deonte Harty, Khalil Shakir and Trent Sherfield -- as they begin to prepare for their season opener against the New York Jets.
Beasley, 34, technically is available as well. He is on the practice squad of the New York Giants, coached by former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
More must-reads: