Desmond

Reid

Thompkins will likely just contribute on special teams, if he makes the roster. Through four NFL seasons, he has returned 45 kicks and 42 punts. The Bills also waived RB Desmond Reid with an injury designation. He will probably revert back to the roster after passing through waivers. The Bills also waived CB Dorian Strong with a non-football injury designation. In February, GM Brandon Beane said Strong (neck) was “going to have a procedure that will determine whether he can play.” Unfortunately, this could be the answer.

Reid, 21, is an accomplished four-year player. He spent his first two college seasons playing for Western Carolina before transferring to Pittsburgh and maintained explosive, high-level play at both stops. Unfortunately, he carries size-related injury concerns. Reid stands 5’6/174 and missed time due to injury in each of the last three seasons. That said, Reid had no issue forcing missed tackles and caught 21-plus passes in all four campaigns. In his career-best, 2024 season, he went 185/968/5 as a rusher and 51/580/4 as a receiver, earning first-team all-ACC honors. He also fielded punts for Pittsburgh, forcing 17 missed tackles on 18 punt returns over the last two years. Reid has a chance to contribute in that capacity again as a rookie. Should he return fantasy value, it will likely be as a receiving specialist in PPR formats.