Bills news: Takeaways and observations from first depth chart

September 9, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

As the Buffalo Bills prepare to kick off the 2026 season Sunday against the Houston Texans, Bills fans have been curious about a few positional battles, including who would claim the WR3 job and who would handle punt returns.

We got preliminary answers to some of those questions on Tuesday, when the Bills released their first depth chart of the regular season, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks studies the depth chart to offer up the key takeaways.

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Check out the assessments below and then let us know your thoughts on the depth chart in the comments section.

Dorian Williams starting at ILB and other news from depth chart

Rookie linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr generated plenty of buzz with his play this preseason, but in the official depth chart released by the Bills, it was Dorian Williams, and not Elarms-Orr, listed as the starter at inside linebacker. While fans can expect Elarms-Orr to see the field for plenty of snaps this year, it appears head coach Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard are opting for experience when it comes to who starts alongside Terrel Bernard.

In other depth chart news, despite a lack of depth at cornerback, nickel corner Dee Alford was listed as the primary punt returner ahead of running back Ray Davis and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Speaking of wide receivers, Keon Coleman was listed as the No. 3 wideout, ahead of Palmer.

We also offer up some predictions for the Bills this year; identify eight key players who will determine how successful Buffalo is in its quest for a Super Bowl title; and more!

Even more Bills news

Examining which six players will serve as captains for the upcoming season. Plus, hear how far former coach Sean McDermott thinks the Bills will go this year; find out which former second-round draft pick was brought in for possible depth along the offensive line; get hyped for the start of the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Allen; and more!

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