Walter

Powell

Powell had been on the Bills’ practice squad. The return specialist has played six career snaps on offense.

Powell opened camp behind both Greg Little and Dez Lewis on the depth chart, but he played well enough to knock both off the roster. A 2014 sixth-round pick of the Cardinals, Powell has spent most of his career on various practice squads. He has no value as the Bills’ fifth receiver.

Powell went down in Sunday’s win over the Jaguars. A journeyman third-year pro, Powell is headed for restricted free agency. If retained, he’ll fight for one of Buffalo’s final roster spots in 2017.

No surprises in this group. NT Marcell Dareus is back for the Bills.

He was ruled out for the game with what appears to be a severe injury. Powell is a situational slot receiver in Buffalo’s offense.

Powell caught 14 passes across nine games for the Bills’ undermanned receiver corps last season. Powell had been in the mix for Buffalo’s No. 3 job. That’s how dire things are in Buffalo. The ban could imperil Powell’s 53-man roster odds, but ESPN’s Mike Rodak theorizes it could actually help him, as now the Bills don’t have to make a decision on his status until October.

Powell (5-foot-11 1/8, 189) set Murray State receiving records all across the board during his career. He isn’t overly explosive, as evidenced by a 4.63 forty and 31.5-inch vertical. Powell will have to show well on special teams.

Powell (5-foot-11 1/8, 189) is the Racers’ all-time leader in receptions (208), receiving yards (2,650), and receiving scores (29). He added three career special teams TDs, two on punt returns and one on a kickoff. Unfortunately, Powell ran 4.63 at the Combine with a 31 1/2-inch vertical, and sub-200-pound receivers without top speed are generally NFL long shots. Powell was also arrested last October for domestic violence, though charges were dropped. He’s a low-ceiling special teams/slot receiver prospect who may have a tough time making the Cardinals’ 53.

Robert Woods (groin) is expected to miss Week 16, but Powell is a strict return specialist.

Powell spent the first four games serving a PEDs suspension. It doesn’t speak well to his future that the wideout-needy Bills cut his cord so quickly.