In a surprising turn of events, the Buffalo Bills have brought back tight end Matt Sokol to their 90-man roster just two days after releasing him, showcasing the unpredictable nature of NFL roster management during the preseason. The move comes as the team prepares for their second preseason game against the Chicago Bears, giving Sokol another opportunity to prove his worth in a competitive tight end room.
Sokol’s release on August 12 was initially seen as a setback in his bid to secure a spot on the Bills’ roster. The team made the move to bolster their secondary, signing safety Tre Herndon to fill the vacancy. However, the decision to cut Sokol was framed as a business necessity rather than a reflection of his performance. Head coach Sean McDermott hinted at the possibility of Sokol’s return during the announcement, praising the veteran tight end’s contributions both on and off the field.
“Appreciate everything Matt did. Really good person, player as well. Again, a reminder of the businesses here, the business side of things,” McDermott said, via SI.com.
The Bills didn’t wait long to act on that sentiment. When wide receiver Jalen Virgil was waived with an injury designation, a roster spot opened up, paving the way for Sokol’s rapid return. The move underscores the fluid nature of roster decisions during training camp, where players like Sokol can find themselves back in the mix almost as quickly as they were let go.
Sokol’s reinstatement comes at a critical time as the Bills gear up for their second preseason game. While the team has not yet disclosed how much playing time starters like Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid will see, preseason games typically provide ample opportunities for players on the roster bubble—like Sokol—to showcase their skills. For Sokol, this game could be a make-or-break moment in his quest to secure a spot on the active roster or practice squad.
The tight end position in Buffalo is led by the established duo of Knox, a veteran presence, and Kincaid, a former first-round pick. However, the departure of last year’s No. 3 tight end, Quintin Morris, during the offseason has left an opening for a new face to step up. Sokol faces stiff competition from rookie Jackson Hawes, a fifth-round draft pick, as well as practice squad veteran Zach Davidson and undrafted free agent Keleki Latu.
A Michigan State product, Sokol has navigated a winding path through the NFL since going undrafted in 2019. Over the past six seasons, he has spent time with seven different franchises, including a stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad in 2024 and six regular-season appearances with the New England Patriots across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Despite his journeyman status, Sokol’s experience is modest, with just 53 offensive snaps in eight career regular-season games.
His versatility and familiarity with the Bills’ system could work in his favor, but his initial release may signal an uphill battle. As SI.com’s Ralph Ventre noted, Sokol’s ability to contribute on special teams could be a deciding factor in his roster chances, much like it was for Morris in previous seasons.
While Sokol’s quick return to the Bills is a positive development, his long-term future with the team remains uncertain. The decision to release him in favor of secondary depth suggests he may not be a lock for the 53-man roster. However, his experience and potential to contribute on special teams could make him a strong candidate for the practice squad, where he could continue to develop and remain ready for a call-up.
As the Bills head into their matchup against the Chicago Bears, all eyes will be on Sokol and other bubble players vying for a spot. In the high-stakes world of NFL roster cuts, his performance in the coming weeks could determine whether he sticks with Buffalo or continues his journey elsewhere.