Bills beat reporter says former first-round pick is trending the wrong way
The Buffalo Bills knew they needed to beef up their special teams unit after a subpar 2021 season and one of the moves they made in the attempt to do so was the signing of former first-rounder Tavon Austin. Austin hasn't been able to do much as a receiver over the course of his eight-year […]
The Buffalo Bills knew they needed to beef up their special teams unit after a subpar 2021 season and one of the moves they made in the attempt to do so was the signing of former first-rounder Tavon Austin.
Austin hasn't been able to do much as a receiver over the course of his eight-year career, but he's been a decent put returner and special teams player. So, he fits the mold for what the Bills are trying to do.
The Bills brought Austin into the fold back in June, which didn't guarantee him a roster spot, by any means. But Marquez Stevenson's foot injury opened up a small avenue for Austin to snatch a roster spot.
However, a recent run of missed practices due to injury hasn't helped him. Fortunately for Austin, he returned to practice on Tuesday. How much time he sees in Saturday's matchup against the Denver Broncos is unknown, but it's clear he's going to have to really show the coaching staff that he's still capable of giving them solid reps.
The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia recently listed Austin as a "faller", meaning his stock is currently down as the Bills head into their second matchup of the preseason:
"Austin’s best chance to make the 53-man roster this summer was as a kickoff and punt returner, but an injury has been a significant setback for the 2013 first-round pick. He watched Saturday as running back James Cook (kickoff) and receiver Khalil Shakir (punt) took reps in the return game. A much more efficient use of the 53-man roster would be to employ those rookies, who are roster locks, as return men than to keep Austin. He’s on the wrong side of the bubble, and missing time with an injury isn’t helping."
Isaiah McKenzie handled most of the Bills' returns in 2021, but his increased role as the team's No. 1 slot receiver will likely take him out of that role. Especially since Cook and Shakir are on the roster, as Buscaglia notes.
If Austin doesn't make enough of an impact or impression, then it would make a lot of sense for the Bills to release him when the second round of roster cuts are due. That would give Austin just enough time to get on another roster and learn the playbook enough to where he can give his best effort for another team in hopes of making their roster.
Austin could also end up on the Bills practice squad. He represents a very good call-up option when/if needed.
Either way, the one thing that's sure is Austin needs to pick it up. And he needs to do it fast.
You can check out Buscaglia's full column, here.
Featured image via Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
