Buffalo Bills shake up roster ahead of preseason opener following Tyler Bass injury blow

The Buffalo Bills are making late adjustments to their roster just days before their preseason opener, following an unexpected injury to their reliable kicker, Tyler Bass. With the team set to face the New York Giants on Saturday, the absence of Bass has prompted an immediate move to secure a replacement.

Tyler Bass sidelined with pelvic injury

Bass, who has been the Bills’ go-to kicker since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Georgia Southern, is currently dealing with a pelvic injury. His absence will be felt, given his consistent contributions over the past five seasons.

In his career so far, Tyler Bass has made 131 of his 155 field goal attempts (84.5%) and 264 of 274 extra points (96.4%). Remarkably, in 2024, he went a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals from 50 yards or more, a testament to his long-range reliability.

However, with his current injury keeping him off the field, Buffalo needed an immediate solution ahead of the first preseason matchup.

Caden Davis signed as temporary replacement

On Friday, the Bills announced the signing of Caden Davis, who will take over kicking duties for the preseason opener. Davis, an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss, initially signed with the New York Jets earlier this offseason but was released after the Jets brought in veteran Nick Folk.

During his college career, Davis showcased both accuracy and consistency, going 42-for-52 on field goals and 102-for-104 on extra points over his final two seasons. While his NFL experience is limited, this opportunity with Buffalo gives him the chance to prove his worth at the professional level.

The end of a fun possibility

Before Caden Davis’ arrival, the team’s depth chart had an amusing twist — the backup kicker spot was held by second-year running back Ray Davis. While the idea of a running back attempting field goals intrigued some fans, that experiment will have to wait as Caden Davis now steps into the role.

While Tyler Bass’ injury is a concern, it’s unclear how long he will be sidelined. For now, Buffalo is hoping Caden Davis can hold down the fort during the preseason while Bass recovers. With the regular season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Bass’s recovery timeline and whether the Bills need a more long-term contingency plan.