As is the case before every NFL game, each team releases a list of inactive players before kickoff time. Today is no different, as both the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills have released their respective inactive lists for our consumption and analysis.
Both inactives lists proceed as follows:
Houston's Inactives
- Tight end, Brevin Jordan
- Cornerback, Collin Wright
- Linebacker, Aiden FIsher
- Guard, Febechi Nwaiwu
- Offensive Tackle, Nate Thomas
- Defensive Tackle, Jaden Crumedy
Buffalo's Inactives
- Wide receiver, Skyler Bell
- Running back, Ty Johnson
- Safety, Jalon Kilgore
- Linebacker, Mike Danna
- Guard, Ar'maj Reed-Adams
- Offensive tackle/Guard, Jude Bowry
- Defensive Tackle, T.J. Sanders
While the Texans don't have any real surprises on the list, the Bills actually have a couple of notable names that have Buffalo fans raising their collective eyebrows with less than two hourse before the game starts.
The Houston Texans are relatively unscathed, while the Buffalo Bills are without a couple of key names
Skyler Bell's absence
One of the first notable names missing this afternoon will be Bills fourth-round wide receiver Skyler Bell, who many believe will be a gamechanger for Buffalo's new-look offense under new head coach Joe Brady. Brandon Ray, Site Expert for BuffaLowDown (Bills coverage), had this to say about Bell in August,
"Even with DJ Moore coming in as the new No. 1 receiver and Khalil Shakir being a solid slot receiver, Bell should have plenty of opportunities to show the NFL why he is a major steal from this year's draft and be part of the new-look Bills that is looking to get over the hump and win a Super Bowl."
With the ability to mae an impact both through the air and on the ground, Houston avoiding his talents in week one could prove pivotal for a favorable outcome.
Ty Johnson is also out
While the current sentiment around Johnson is not as high as it used to be, the former Maryland Terrapin has shown himself to be a valuable change-of-pace asset in Brady's offense in seasons past. Joe Cook, a Buffalo Bills Analyst (who was also of the BuffaLowDown) had this to say about Johnson in March of last year,
"Johnson immediately became the change of pace back and complemented James Cook very well. In two years with the Bills, he’s appeared in 27 games and rushed for 345 yards, one touchdown, and 21 first downs! Included in that are multiple clutch and explosive plays. You could actually argue the 5'10" 210lbs was the Bills' most explosive player in 2024."
It's not to say that that Texans just needed the assistance in this manner. However, any version of the Bills that doesn't include two potential playmakers who could apply even more pressure in the passing game is a version that fans may see as most preferable to contend with in the early goings of the season.
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