Dortch brought in to address return game
The Buffalo Bills have added Greg Dortch to their practice squad as they continue to search for consistency on punt returns. The move was part of a group of veteran additions announced by the team Monday night, which also included linebacker Shaq Thompson and offensive tackle Jedrick Willis Jr.
Greg Dortch, a Rochester native with five years of NFL experience as a wide receiver and return specialist, joins Buffalo with specific special-teams chops. Yahoo! News noted Dortch averaged 11.6 yards on 16 punt returns for the Arizona Cardinals last season, a mark that ranked 11th in the NFL.
Numbers behind the decision
The Bills' punt-return numbers from 2025 help explain the urgency behind the signing. Yahoo! News reported Buffalo averaged only 6.5 yards per punt return on 30 attempts in 2025, ranking 28th in the league, and said the signing could help address the team's problems returning punts.
Bringing in Dortch gives the Bills a proven return option with recent NFL reps. The practice-squad addition keeps him close to game preparation work and available should Buffalo elevate him for regular-season duty.
Roster context
The practice-squad group announced Monday night featured a mix of experienced veterans and players who had been with the team in training camp. Shaq Thompson, who appeared in 14 games and started both playoff contests for Buffalo last season, was officially signed to the practice squad. Jedrick Willis Jr. was also listed among the veteran additions.
Adding experienced returners to the practice squad is a common short-term strategy teams use to shore up special teams while maintaining roster flexibility. For Buffalo, Dortch’s return pedigree and local ties create a clear situational fit as the club attempts to improve a weak punt-return unit.
