Bills Reveals Why Final Roster Spot Was Awarded To Casey Toohill

one unexpected inclusion was 28-year-old pass rusher Casey Toohill as a sixth defensive end;

Toohill’s selection may have raised some eyebrows, given his limited playing time during the preseason due to injury.

He only saw action in one preseason contest, making his roster spot a bit of a surprise. However, Bills General Manager Brandon Beane shed some light on the decision, citing Toohill’s past performance as a key factor.

“Casey has had a good career so far, and we wanted to give him a chance to contribute,” Beane explained.

“He’s a talented player who can bring some depth to our defensive line.”

Beane also emphasized the importance of versatility and special teams ability in making roster decisions. While Toohill’s skillset may not necessarily fit the bill in these areas, his potential and past performance ultimately won out.

Toohill’s journey to the Bills is an interesting one. A seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders before joining the Bills this offseason.

Despite his limited playing time, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, including a sack and two tackles for loss in his lone preseason appearance.

“Casey’s got some pass-rush ability, and he’s a smart player,” said defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. “We think he can help us in certain situations.”

Another factor that may have played a role in the decision is the NFL’s amended practice squad rules. Kingsley Jonathan, who was considered a strong contender for the final roster spot, qualifies as an “international player” and can occupy a special exemption spot on the practice squad.

Overall, the Bills’ decision to award the final roster spot to Casey Toohill may have been unexpected, but it speaks to the team’s willingness to give players a chance to shine. With Toohill’s past performance and potential, he may just prove to be a valuable addition to the team.

As the Bills look ahead to the upcoming season, Toohill will be competing for playing time with a deep defensive line rotation. However, his unique skillset and versatility could make him a valuable asset in certain situations.

“Casey’s got some work to do to earn playing time, but we’re excited to see what he can do,” said head coach Sean McDermott. “He’s got some talent, and we’re looking forward to seeing him contribute.”