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Undrafted Bills Rookie WR Leads Team with 4 Catches — Fans Say He Just Saved His NFL Dream

Under the bright lights at Stadium, undrafted rookie Stephen Gosnell quietly delivered the kind of steady, reliable performance that can keep an NFL dream alive. Fighting for a roster spot in one of the league’s deepest wide receiver rooms, the former Virginia Tech standout hauled in 4 receptions for 30 yards, leading all Bills receivers in catches during Buffalo’s preseason opener — a narrow loss to the New York Giants.

ACL injury, LinkedIn account fuel Bills' Stephen Gosnell

The game began as a defensive battle, with neither side able to break free in the first quarter. Gosnell first made his mark midway through the second, snagging a short out route on third down to extend the drive. By halftime, he had already matched the catch total of several veteran receivers on the roster.

In the third quarter, Gosnell became a go-to target for Buffalo’s backup quarterbacks, moving the chains twice on intermediate routes and showcasing dependable hands in traffic. While the stat line wasn’t flashy, his ability to win contested catches and secure the ball in tight coverage stood out to coaches watching from the sideline.

Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants, Preseason Week 1, August 09, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.

"I'VE BEEN AROUND LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW HEART WHEN I SEE IT. THAT BILLS ROOKIE? HE DIDN'T FLINCH. DIDN'T PLAY LIKE A GUY FIGHTING FOR A ROSTER SPOT — HE PLAYED LIKE HE BELONGED IN ROYAL BLUE AND RED. AND THOSE CATCHES? THAT WAS BUFFALO GRIT AT ITS FINEST."

Signed as a long shot after the draft, Gosnell entered camp buried on the depth chart. But in a preseason opener where every rep matters, he showed the kind of reliability that can’t be ignored.

Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants, Preseason Week 1, August 09, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.

If he can build on this performance over the next two games, Stephen Gosnell might just turn a summer tryout into a permanent spot in Buffalo — and prove that undrafted doesn’t mean unwanted.

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Buffalo Bills Reunited With Two Familiar Faces To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Falcons Game
Buffalo, NY – October 8, 2025 The Buffalo Bills have officially reunited with two familiar names, signing linebacker Baylon Spector and cornerback Jalen Kimber to their practice squad as injuries continue to thin out their defensive depth chart. Spector, a former seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, returns to Buffalo after being released in training camp. Over three seasons with the team, he recorded 34 total tackles in 13 games , showing flashes of potential before being derailed by injuries. His return helps stabilize the linebacker group after Jimmy Ciarlo was promoted to the active roster ahead of last week’s game against the Patriots.   At cornerback, the Bills brought back Jalen Kimber, who previously spent time on the team’s practice squad earlier this season. Kimber, 6’0” and 190 pounds, joined the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie out of Georgia and Penn State, but was released in late August. He briefly signed with Buffalo in September before being waived to make room for safety Otis Reese IV, who has now been released. The timing of these moves reflects the Bills’ growing list of defensive injuries. Linebackers Matt Milano (pectoral) and Dorian Williams (knee)   have both missed time, while rookie cornerbacks Dorian Strong (neck) and Maxwell Hairston (knee) remain on Injured Reserve with no immediate return expected. If Williams is unable to play this week, Spector could be elevated to the active roster and dress on game day, while Kimber provides valuable depth behind veterans Dane Jackson and Kaiir Elam. With the Bills preparing to face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night (7:15 p.m. ET), these roster additions provide much-needed reinforcements for a defense that has been battling attrition since Week 1. Buffalo fans will hope these familiar faces can help steady the defense as the team pushes to stay competitive in the AFC race.