Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bills Elevate Rookie TE After Concerning Dalton Kincaid Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Nov 16, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Ever since wide receiver Stefon Diggs departed, the Buffalo Bills have been married to an interesting concept that treats all pass catchers on the roster as equals.

They selected six-foot-four wideout Keon Coleman in the second round of the NFL Draft last year, but he has been a major disappointment so far.

Reigning MVP Josh Allen has struggled to find a consistent, reliable target in Buffalo’s offense, but the closest he came to finding that was with tight end Dalton Kincaid.

The Bills took him in the first round back in 2023 and he has been sure-handed and explosive in the two-and-half seasons since.

Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad (40) during the first quarter in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium.Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

However, he hurt his hamstring last week in a loss to the Miami Dolphins and will be out of action today.

The production and versatility Kincaid provides is irreplaceable, but Buffalo decided to elevate Keleki Latu from the practice squad to fill in for him temporarily.

Roster moves:

- Signed WR Mecole Hardman from the practice squad

- Released CB Brandon Codrington

- Activated DT T.J. Sanders from Injured Reserve

- Elevated WR Gabe Davis and TE Keleki Latu from the practice squad
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) November 15, 2025

It’s unclear whether Latu will have a role in the offense, but he was signed as an undrafted free agent during the offseason, so it isn’t likely.

The Bills still have Dawson Knox, who will now step into the No. 1 tight end role, so they aren’t completely hung out to dry.

They take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today in a battle of injured teams, so they lucked out with their opponent.

Tampa Bay is missing wide receiver Mike Evans, who is out for a couple months with a broken collarbone, and running back Bucky Irving, who is nearing a return but not quite ready yet.

These two teams have championship aspirations and can take another step towards those dreams with a win today.

Allen and Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield are high-level performers who will probably put on a show regardless, but their lives will be tougher without some of their top weapons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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