The Buffalo Bills, riding high after a 31-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, were dealt a significant blow when their punter, Cameron Johnston, suffered a leg injury in the fourth quarter. The injury, caused by a collision with Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell, will sideline Johnston for an unspecified period, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. With a critical divisional matchup against the New England Patriots looming in Week 5, the Bills are scrambling to find a replacement to handle punting duties. Shockingly, the leading candidate to fill the void is Brad Robbins—a punter the Bills cut after a disappointing performance in Week 1.
A Familiar Face Returns?
Brad Robbins, a former sixth-round pick, started the 2025 season as Buffalo’s punter but was released after a lackluster showing against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. In that game, Robbins averaged just 38 net yards on four punts, a performance that failed to inspire confidence in head coach Sean McDermott and the Bills’ coaching staff. The team quickly pivoted to Cameron Johnston, who had been a reliable addition until his injury. Now, with Johnston sidelined, Robbins’ familiarity with the Bills’ system and his time spent with the team during the offseason make him the frontrunner to reclaim his old job.
Brad Robbins
While Robbins’ Week 1 performance left much to be desired, his potential return has sparked mixed reactions among Bills fans. Some see it as a pragmatic move, given his knowledge of the team’s schemes and his relatively recent experience with the organization. Others, however, remain skeptical, pointing to his underwhelming debut as a reason to explore other options. Regardless, Robbins’ prior connection to Buffalo gives him an edge over other candidates.
Other Contenders in the Mix
While Robbins may be the early favorite, the Bills are also considering other punters to fill the gap. Two notable names have emerged: Ryan Stonehouse and Michael Palardy.
Ryan Stonehouse
Ryan Stonehouse, a 26-year-old punter, burst onto the scene with the Tennessee Titans, finishing fourth and sixth in net yards per punt in the NFL in 2022 and 2023, respectively. However, his performance took a nosedive in 2024, when he averaged 5.3 fewer net yards per punt than the previous year, landing him at the bottom of the league among regular punters. Despite this regression, Stonehouse’s youth and proven track record suggest he could rebound, making him an intriguing option for Buffalo.
Ryan Stonehouse
Michael Palardy
Michael Palardy, a veteran with a more journeyman-like career, is another candidate. Since entering the NFL in 2016 with the Carolina Panthers, Palardy has played for four teams, most recently appearing in four games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2024. His career average of 41 net yards per punt is unremarkable, but his experience and a year of rest in 2023 could make him a steady, if unspectacular, choice for the Bills.
Michael Palardy
Additionally, the Bills reportedly worked out Mitch Wishnowsky and Pat O’Donnell on Monday, indicating they are casting a wide net to find the right fit. Both punters bring experience, but neither has the recent connection to Buffalo that Robbins offers.
The Importance of the Punter Position
While the punter role often flies under the radar, it plays a critical part in the field-position battle, especially in a divisional game like the upcoming clash with the Patriots. The Bills, who remain unbeaten through four weeks, rely on their special teams to complement their high-powered offense and stout defense. A reliable punter can pin opponents deep in their own territory, giving Buffalo’s defense a chance to shine and maintaining the team’s edge in close contests.
The punter market is notoriously thin, and finding a capable replacement for Johnston will be no easy task. Robbins, despite his earlier struggles, may be the safest bet due to his familiarity with the team. However, Stonehouse’s upside and Palardy’s veteran presence could tempt the Bills to look elsewhere.
As the Bills prepare for their third divisional game in five weeks, the decision on Johnston’s replacement will be pivotal. Brad Robbins, the man once deemed not good enough for the job, now stands as the top candidate to step back into the role—a twist that has left Buffalo Nation stunned. Whether Robbins can redeem himself or if another punter will seize the opportunity remains to be seen. For now, Bills fans are left hoping that whoever takes the field can deliver in the clutch and keep Buffalo’s undefeated streak alive.