Buffalo Bills bolster roster with “Big Game” Gabe Davis ahead of pivotal Steelers showdown
The Buffalo Bills have made a strategic roster move, promoting wide receiver “Big Game” Gabe Davis from the practice squad to the active roster just in time for a series of crucial matchups, starting with their November 30 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision was confirmed on Friday, as the Bills signed Davis to the 53-man roster while placing fellow wide receiver Curtis Samuel on Injured Reserve.
Roster Adjustments and Future Moves
With the promotion of Davis, the Bills now face the challenge of filling one remaining vacancy on the active roster. Offensive tackle Tylan Grable is expected to be the focal point of this move ahead of Sunday’s game.
Davis has proven his worth in recent weeks, starting in the last two games as a practice squad elevation. During this time, he accumulated four receptions for 62 yards on six targets, showcasing his growing chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen. The 6-foot-2 receiver logged 59 snaps in those games, demonstrating his readiness to contribute as the team approaches the critical phase of the season.
Davis’s Journey Back to the Field
The 26-year-old Davis’s return to the Bills is a testament to his resilience. After missing training camp this summer, he rejoined the team before the onset of the regular season following a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. His journey back to the field has been marked by significant challenges, including recovery from reconstructive knee surgery stemming from an injury sustained last November.
Building a Reputation for Big Performances
Davis has earned the nickname “Big Game Gabe” for a reason. His legacy includes unforgettable moments, such as his spectacular toe-drag catches during the 2020 Wild Card win over the Indianapolis Colts, his four-touchdown game against the Kansas City Chiefs a year later, and a remarkable 171-yard performance in a 2022 rout of the Steelers. Since being drafted by the Bills in 2020, he has established a reputation for stepping up in high-stakes situations.
Throughout his four seasons with Buffalo, Davis has averaged 6.7 touchdown receptions per regular season and 16.7 yards per catch, making 64 appearances with 47 starts.
Curtis Samuel’s Continued Struggles with Injuries
In contrast, Curtis Samuel’s tenure with the Bills has been marred by injury-related setbacks. After signing a three-year deal in 2024, his availability has been a concern, as he has already missed five games this season due to various injuries. While he managed to play through some issues last year, he often found himself on the injury report.
Samuel last took the field in Week 11, where he participated in 28 offensive snaps during the Bills’ November 16 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He recorded two catches for 19 yards and contributed a 15-yard kickoff return. However, his absence from practice over the past two weeks, due to elbow and knee issues, has placed him on the sidelines once again.
As the Bills gear up for their upcoming match against the Steelers, the return of “Big Game” Gabe Davis could prove to be a pivotal factor in their playoff aspirations.
