The Buffalo Bills have elevated wide receiver Tyrell Shavers and defensive tackle Branson Deen from the practice squad for their Week 5 game against the Houston Texans. This decision was announced on Saturday and marks a significant opportunity for both players, who showed promise during training camp and the preseason. Their promotion comes as the team looks to fill key roles due to injuries and performance needs.
Tyrell Shavers, in particular, had an impressive preseason, catching the attention of head coach Sean McDermott, offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and star quarterback Josh Allen. His performance during training camp was strong enough to earn him consistent practice reps with both the first and second teams, making him a surprise exclusion from the Bills’ final 53-man roster at the start of the season. Shavers’ ability to contribute on offense and special teams was evident throughout the summer, which positioned him as a strong candidate for promotion once a spot opened up.
Shavers’ elevation to the active roster is directly tied to the absence of Khalil Shakir, the team’s current lead wide receiver, who has been ruled out of the Week 5 game due to an ankle injury. While Shavers has shown potential, it remains unclear how many offensive snaps he will play in the game against Houston. The bulk of Shakir’s responsibilities in the offense will likely fall to veteran receiver Curtis Samuel, who is expected to take on a significant share of Shakir’s workload. However, Shavers could still see the field in a variety of capacities, especially on special teams, where his skills as a solid gunner might be utilized.
On the defensive side, Branson Deen’s promotion comes as a result of an injury to starting defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who suffered a hamstring injury during practice. Deen, who went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, impressed the Bills’ coaching staff throughout training camp and preseason. Despite being undersized for his position, Deen demonstrated a high level of skill and potential, recording three tackles and three pressures in the preseason. His strong performance earned him a spot on the Bills’ practice squad, where the coaching staff saw enough in him to keep him over other potential developmental players, including Olympic gold medalist wrestler Gable Steveson, who was competing for a similar role.
Deen’s collegiate career further showcases his abilities. During his five years playing at the collegiate level, he amassed 92 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, demonstrating his knack for making plays in the backfield. Now, with Oliver sidelined, Deen is set to make his NFL debut, and he will likely rotate as part of a group of defensive tackles that includes DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, and the recently-signed Zion Logue. While the team will certainly feel the absence of Oliver, who has been a key part of their defensive front, Deen’s promotion signals the Bills’ confidence in his ability to contribute and step up in this critical moment.
Both Shavers and Deen now have the chance to make an impact as the Bills take on the Texans in what is expected to be a challenging matchup. For Shavers, it’s an opportunity to prove himself as a valuable option in the passing game and special teams. For Deen, this marks the start of his NFL journey, one that comes with significant responsibility given the absence of a key defensive player.
