As the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline loomed on August 26, 2025, the Buffalo Bills made a tough call, waiving running back Frank Gore Jr., the son of five-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore. Despite a stellar preseason performance, the young Gore was unable to secure a spot on the active roster, though he remains a strong candidate for the Bills’ practice squad.
Frank Gore Jr., who went undrafted in 2024 out of Southern Miss, signed with the Bills and quickly made a name for himself. During his collegiate career, he earned All-Sun Belt honors three times, amassing 4,022 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, along with 75 receptions for 692 yards and four scores. His versatility shone in the 2024 preseason, and he elevated his game even further in 2025, becoming the only NFL player this preseason to surpass 100 yards in both rushing (104 yards) and receiving (109 yards) across three games.
Despite these impressive numbers, Gore faced a steep challenge to crack Buffalo’s stacked running back depth chart, which includes established players like James Cook, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson. NFL fans, while disappointed, were not entirely surprised by the decision. “Not surprising,” one Bills fan wrote on X, expressing hope that Gore would land on the practice squad or be claimed by another team where he could “play some damn ball.”
Analysts echoed this sentiment, with Tyler Smith of Chat Sports calling Gore an “absolute steal” for any practice squad and noting his active roster talent. Another fan predicted confidently, “He will get picked up for sure.”
The question now is whether Gore Jr. can carve out a path similar to his father’s illustrious NFL career. One intriguing possibility is a reunion with his father’s former team, the San Francisco 49ers, who recently cut veteran running back Jeff Wilson Jr. However, with Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson Jr., and Isaac Guerendo already in their backfield, San Francisco may not offer Gore the playing time he needs to showcase his skills.
For Gore Jr. to truly shine, landing on a team in need of a young, dynamic running back would be ideal. His preseason performance demonstrates his potential to contribute both on the ground and through the air, making him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their backfield.
As the NFL season kicks off, Gore’s journey is far from over. Whether he remains with the Bills’ practice squad or catches on with another team, his talent and lineage suggest he’s a player to watch. This story was originally reported by The Spun on August 26, 2025.