Buffalo Bills Make Surprising QB Move on Sunday

The Buffalo Bills elevated practice squad quarterback Shane Buechele ahead of Sunday’s AFC East game against the New York Jets, then listed him among the inactives.

Buffalo made the move Saturday despite both Josh Allen and backup Kyle Allen remaining healthy. The Bills did not need the elevation for injury reasons and instead used it to provide Buechele a game check while also having him available as an emergency third quarterback.

Buechele, who has spent recent seasons on the practice squad after earlier stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, was inactive for the 1 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium. It marked the first time this season the Bills elevated him to the active roster.

Buffalo’s full inactive list also included safety Jalon Kilgore, outside linebacker Mike Danna, guard Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, tackle/guard Jude Bowry and defensive lineman Greg Gaines.

The offensive line returned to full strength for the contest. Starting right tackle Spencer Brown, listed as doubtful with an ankle injury, worked out before the game and was cleared to play. Left tackle Dion Dawkins and left guard Alec Anderson also returned after missing the previous week.

The Bills entered the game at 7-1 and in first place in both the AFC East and the AFC. They have scored 256 points through eight games, an average of 32.0 points per game that ranks first in the NFL. Buffalo has allowed 187 points, or 23.4 per game.

New York is 2-7 and has dropped four consecutive games. The Jets have scored 182 points this season while allowing 223. Buffalo is a heavy favorite on the road, listed around an 8-point favorite in most markets with the total near 50.5 or 51.

Bills safety Cole Bishop said the team is treating the matchup seriously despite the records.

“A lot of talent. We talked about that [on Wednesday]. Specifically their skill positions. Running backs, receivers, quarterbacks playing at a high level,” Bishop said. “Obviously, their wins aren’t where they [want], but their offense is doing some good things, so we definitely need to come prepared.”

Jets quarterback Geno Smith has thrown for 2,078 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions through nine games. New York’s skill-position group includes receivers Garrett Wilson, Omar Cooper Jr. and Adonai Mitchell along with running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.

Buffalo’s offense ranks among the league leaders in total yards and points. The Bills average 386.4 yards per game and 146.6 rushing yards per game. James Cook leads the ground game with more than 800 yards.

The Bills have won four straight games and sit atop the conference standings. A victory would further strengthen their position as they look to secure the AFC East and maintain the top seed in the AFC.

Buffalo’s defense has held opponents under 24 points per game on average. The unit will face a Jets offense that has shown flashes despite the team’s overall record.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS from MetLife Stadium. The Bills have not lost a road game this season and enter as clear favorites in the division rivalry.