The Buffalo Bills made a modest move before the NFL’s trade deadline by acquiring running back Leonard Fournette in free agency. This signing was prompted by the need for additional depth, as the Bills lost Damien Harris to a neck injury. However, with Fournette’s addition, it raises questions about the future of either Latavius Murray or Ty Johnson, as it’s unlikely that the Bills will keep “Playoff Lenny” on the practice squad. Fournette earned this nickname after his outstanding performance in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory, leading them with 448 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns during the postseason run.
The Bills currently have an available roster spot on their 53-man roster due to placing tight end Dawson Knox on injured reserve. This spot could be filled if general manager Brandon Beane makes a move before the NFL trade deadline, which expires on October 31.
The Athletic suggested that if the Bills fill that roster spot, Fournette’s timeline for preparation could align with one of the Bills’ recent moves. Ty Johnson, who was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, will have received his minimum of three weekly game checks. This means he can be released without any further financial obligation and can return to the Bills’ practice squad if no other team attempts to sign him. Despite almost being signed by the Los Angeles Rams while on the practice squad, it seems unlikely that the Bills would want to take that risk again. However, this could change if head coach Sean McDermott is dissatisfied with Johnson’s performance so far.
Ty Johnson is such a vibe. pic.twitter.com/3bmCKXQHL6
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) October 22, 2023
The decision to sign Fournette after promoting Johnson may suggest that Harris won’t be able to return to play this season. However, if Harris does make a comeback, it’s probable that Johnson would be the one to get released.
McDermott mentioned last week that he is uncertain whether Bills Mafia will see Harris return later in the season. He stated, “We’ll see. I don’t know. I can’t answer that one way or the other right now. I can’t say yes, and I can’t say no.”
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