The Buffalo Bills announced a series of roster moves on Saturday, releasing defensive back Te’Cory Couch to clear space for the activation of defensive back Jordan Hancock from injured reserve ahead of their Week 10 game against the New York Jets.

Couch, a 27-year-old undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami, had only recently secured a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Bills signed him from the practice squad on October 31, using the temporary opening created by safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s one-game suspension.

Gardner-Johnson was later released on November 3, and Couch remained on the active roster at that time.

Couch’s path to the NFL has been one of persistence.

After going undrafted in 2024, he signed with Buffalo as a free agent, spent time on the practice squad, dealt with a hamstring injury that led to an injury settlement in 2025, and returned to the practice squad.

He was elevated for games earlier this season (including against the Chargers and Patriots) before earning the full promotion in late October. Listed at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native recorded roughly 6–8 tackles in limited regular-season action this year, with no interceptions.

He drew positive attention for his play in the Bills’ 36-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, where he saw snaps at nickel corner and earned praise from defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard for his communication and ability in one-on-one coverage.

Despite that performance, Couch became the odd man out when Hancock returned.

Hancock, primarily a special-teams contributor who also provides depth at corner and safety, had been on injured reserve since Week 2 with a hamstring injury.

The Bills designated him for return earlier in the week, and Saturday’s activation brings him back to the active roster.

The team also elevated quarterback Shane Buechele from the practice squad, giving them an emergency third quarterback option for Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium.

Because Couch is still in the early years of his career, he is subject to waivers. If he clears, Buffalo could bring him back to the practice squad.

The move reflects the Bills’ ongoing efforts to manage depth in the secondary—especially after recently adding safety Amani Hooker via trade—while prioritizing players like Hancock who offer versatility on defense and special teams.

For Couch, the release ends a brief but eventful stint on the active roster.

Whether he returns to Buffalo or finds an opportunity elsewhere will be determined in the coming days as the waiver wire processes.