Dorin

Dickerson

Though Dickerson is usually considered a receiver or tight end, the Bills listed him as a fullback, suggesting he’ll be an H-back type in Chan Gailey’s spread offense. Dickerson will have to excel on special teams to make the club.

The former seventh-round pick hasn’t appeared in a game since 2010, and spent last season on the Steelers’ practice squad injured reserve. Teams have never figured out what to do with Dickerson’s 6-foot-2, 227 pound frame, but it’s possible “athlete-friendly” Bills GM Buddy Nix will see something he likes.

Dickerson turned heads at the 2010 Combine, but wasn’t selected until the seventh round. He’s also had stops with the Steelers and Patriots, but finally has a shot to make a roster as tight end-fullback hybrid. He won’t make a fantasy impact.

Dickerson impressed as he racked up first-team reps throughout the Bills’ offseason program, leading both WGR and the Buffalo News to give him a fighting chance of earning a roster spot. However, even if Dickerson finally finds a home, his offensive role is expected to be limited. Per the News, coach Chan Gailey is “considering” reintegrating the H-Back — a tight end who lines up off the line of scrimmage — into his offense.

It’s a smart move by Dickerson -- who personally requested the change -- because the Bills are weak at tight end. He was initially slated to practice at wide receiver under the new coaching staff. Dickerson also plays H-back.

The Steelers signed the local hero to the practice squad as a tight end Monday. Dickerson practiced Wednesday only to leave the team Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Dickerson denies quitting the team, and the Steelers have since placed him on the practice squad/injured list.

A report, more like speculation, surfaced Thursday that Dickerson had “quit” on the team, but he just got injured. He’s out for the season and will try to latch on elsewhere next year, probably on a reserve/future contract.

Dickerson broke the news on his Twitter account, which was good enough for the Bills’ official website. The H-Back was a minuscule part of the offense last season, catching just nine passes in 11 games. Teams will be forever intrigued by his athleticism, but Dickerson’s role should remain small in 2013.

Dickerson intentionally played through his concussion for a roughly a quarter last week, highlighting the holes in the league’s protocol. The H-back’s 2013 season ends with two catches for 34 yards in five appearances.

Dickerson said he “just got knocked out” early in the fourth quarter. But he didn’t report it to the team until he made two errors in overtime. “I mean, honestly, probably, after we leave here, I probably won’t remember talking to you guys,” Dickerson told reporters afterward. He said he believes this is the third concussion of his career.