The Buffalo Bills elevated wide receiver Greg Dortch and running back Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad Saturday, adding special teams help and extra depth at running back for Sunday’s season opener against the Houston Texans.
The team announced the moves on social media.
“We have elevated RB Frank Gore Jr. and WR Greg Dortch from the practice squad for tomorrow’s game,” the Bills said.
Dortch, 28, joined Buffalo’s practice squad Aug. 31 after the Detroit Lions released him at the end of training camp. The 5-foot-7 receiver spent most of his career with the Arizona Cardinals.
He has 145 receptions for 1,310 yards and 10 touchdowns in 68 career games. Last season he appeared in 12 games and finished with 29 catches for 206 yards and three scores.
Dortch also brings return experience. He has 99 career punt returns and averaged 8.9 yards per punt return and 23.6 yards per kick return over his career. In 2025 he averaged 11.6 yards on 16 punt returns.
First-year head coach Joe Brady said Dortch’s prior work with wide receivers coach Drew Terrell helped him get up to speed quickly.
“The familiarity he has with Drew Terrell has kind of made life a little easier. They’re able to kind of get him up to speed,” Brady said after Friday’s practice. “It is hard to have a guy up on gameday if he only has one role. That’s what makes it a little tough.”
Brady added that Dortch’s professional background matters.
“He’s a pro. It’s not like we’re bringing in a rookie here that he’s learning for the first time. I’m sure that when he’s ready to rock, he’ll go as fast as possible.”
Gore Jr., 24, is in his third season with the Bills organization after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He spent the past two years primarily on the practice squad.
The son of former NFL running back Frank Gore, who ranks among the league’s all-time rushing leaders and played for Buffalo in 2019, Gore Jr. provides insurance behind James Cook and Ray Davis.
Veteran running back Ty Johnson is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Johnson practiced in a limited capacity Friday after missing time since early August.
If Johnson cannot play, Gore Jr. would likely serve as the third running back. He made his NFL debut in the playoffs last January, recording one reception for six yards.
Brady praised Gore Jr.’s readiness.
“A guy like Frank, he wants to play. He played in the playoffs last year, and we didn’t blink with it. For all of these guys, they have to be ready. With these new rules, we get two call-ups every week,” Brady said.
In the preseason Gore Jr. rushed for 119 yards on 26 carries and scored two touchdowns. He has appeared in limited regular-season and postseason action so far.
The Bills will finalize their active roster 90 minutes before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff in Houston. Both elevations count toward the two weekly practice-squad call-ups allowed under current rules.
Dortch could handle punt-return duties after Buffalo spent training camp searching for a consistent option at the position. Gore Jr. gives the running-back room extra bodies in case of further injury.
Sunday’s game marks the start of the 2026 regular season for a Bills team looking to build on recent playoff appearances.
