Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: JORDAN POYER is BACK, CB injuries and Tyrell Shavers on MAKING the cut
Date: August 28, 2025
Hosts: Jenna Cottrell, Mike Catalana, Dan Fetes
Main Theme:
This episode of the Buffalo Plus podcast unpacks the surprising return of Jordan Poyer to Buffalo—this time as a practice squad veteran—and what it means for the Bills' roster and locker room culture. The crew dives into key injury updates at the cornerback position, celebrates the perseverance of Tyrell Shavers in making the 53-man roster, and provides exclusive behind-the-scenes insights on several developing Bills storylines as the regular season approaches.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jordan Poyer Returns to Buffalo (00:00–07:04)

• Veteran Leadership Returns:
  • Poyer signed to the practice squad, reuniting with the Bills after a tough year in Miami.
  • The team expresses surprise and warm reactions to seeing Poyer back in the building.
  • Jenna: “Seeing number 21 back here... it felt like no time had passed.” (01:19)
• Mentorship and Playing Ambitions:
  • Poyer is open about wanting to contribute as both a mentor and a potential player, emphasizing his emotional attachment to Buffalo.
  • He acknowledges he’s not in game shape yet after non-football training in South Florida, raising questions about his readiness.
  • Poyer: “This is where my heart is. I’m extremely thankful to be here.” (02:34)
• Mentor vs. Player Dynamic:
  • There’s uncertainty about how much (if any) playing time Poyer might see, but his role as a resource for younger safeties like rookie Cole Bishop is clear.
  • Dan: “If he ever does get on the field, I do think we will see a better version of Jordan Poyer than we saw in Miami.” (03:32)
• Locker Room Trend:
  • Taron Johnson and others (Jordan Phillips, Micah Hyde) reflect on the ongoing trend of players returning to Buffalo late in their careers.
  • Dan: “They all come back to Buffalo. So they do.” (06:38)

2. Jordan Phillips’ Path & Defensive Tackle Depth (07:04–07:30)

• Experience Needed:
  • The Bills’ defensive tackle depth chart is young and limited due to Ogunjobi’s absence (out for six weeks), meaning Phillips could play meaningful snaps soon.
  • Dan: “There is a real path for him [Phillips] to get elevated and get snaps very early on, because...they are young in the backup spots.” (07:04)

3. Key Injury Updates in the Secondary (07:30–09:36)

• Tre White and Christian Benford:
  • Tre White has a “lower leg injury” with no certainty on his week one status—GM Brandon Beane won’t rule him out, but optimism is cautious.
  • Benford also missed practice but is not considered a major concern yet.
  • Jenna: “When you have both of your starting corners not practicing...that’s something to seriously monitor.” (08:26)
• Roster Options:
  • Max Hairston likely headed to IR; backups and rookies like Jamarcus Ingram and Dorian Strong could be in line for playing time if the starters can’t go.
  • Dan: “You’ve got to look at Jamarcus Ingram...Dane Jackson’s back on the practice squad…Dorian Strong, the rookie. These are your options right now.” (08:46)
• Level of Concern:
  • The crew expresses concern over secondary depth, noting the next week of practice will be crucial for determining readiness.
  • Dan: “If you don’t see [Tre White] out on the field or doing stuff next Wednesday, then you got big issues.” (09:06)

4. Khalil Shakir’s Positive Return (09:36–10:27)

• Wide Receiver Health:
  • Shakir practiced for the first time since August 1st, a very positive sign for his week one availability.
  • Coaching staff and teammates are confident about his status after his ramp-up phase.
  • Jenna: “Seeing him get back out onto the field…a step in the right direction.” (09:36)
  • Dan: “I feel very good about Shakir now...he looked good.” (10:00)

5. Tyrell Shavers Makes the 53-Man Roster (10:27–12:20)

• The Waiting Game:
  • Shavers shares the anxiety and uncertainty of final roster cuts—he didn’t get the dreaded call, which meant he made the team.
  • Shavers (on making the roster):
    “I didn’t get a call. My phone never rang. So just being able to sit there and I’m checking my phone every five minutes and then not actually ever get a call...every time a notification popped up, I’m like, is this the call?” (10:51)
• Proving His Worth:
  • As a sixth wide receiver, Shavers is still fighting for an active game-day slot.
  • Dan: “When you’re the...sixth wide receiver...you are always fighting to stay on that 53.” (11:58)

6. Jimmy Charlo’s Quick Ascent (12:20–12:53)

• Practice Squad Praise:
  • Charlo, recently featured on Hard Knocks, joined the Bills just 20 days prior; made the practice squad and is noted for his humility and rapid adjustment.
  • Dan: “Love it. I am a Jimmy Charlo jersey guy and U.S. Army guy…Humble about all that.” (12:22)
  • Jenna: “He came up to Buffalo with two pairs of clothes. I would imagine he’s got more now.” (12:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jordan Poyer (02:34, 00:00):
  “This is where my heart is. You know, this is where home is, where...I essentially grew up in this game… I feel like this is a way for me to be able to give back…whether that be on the field or off the field.”
• Dan Fates (03:32):
  “I think he’ll be revitalized. There’s no rush to get him out on the field...we will see a better version of Jordan Poyer than we saw in Miami.”
• Tyrell Shavers (10:51):
  “I didn’t get a call. My phone never rang. So just being able to sit there and I’m checking my phone every five minutes…every time a notification popped up, I’m like, is this the call?”
• Dan Fates (11:58):
  “When you’re the...sixth wide receiver...you are always fighting to stay on that 53.”
• Jenna Cottrell (09:36):
  “Seeing [Khalil Shakir] get back out onto the field…that, to me, a step in the right direction.”

Timestamps and Segments

| Segment | Start | Key topics | |-------------------------------|-------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Jordan Poyer’s return | 00:00 | Emotional homecoming, mentor/player role, Miami experience | | Mentorship/playing time | 03:05 | Cole Bishop & depth, Poyer’s aspirations | | Taron Johnson on returning | 05:56 | Locker room cycle | | Jordan Phillips’ opportunity | 07:04 | Defensive tackle depth, rookie backups | | CB injuries/updates | 07:30 | Tre White, Benford, roster concerns | | Shakir’s practice return | 09:36 | WR health, optimism | | Tyrell Shavers on cut day | 10:27 | Making the roster, practice squad anxiety | | Jimmy Charlo story | 12:20 | Practice squad, personal journey |

Final Notes

• The Bills’ season is about to start, and the crew is eager (and a bit anxious) about both the emerging storylines and roster health.
• With limited practice access in regular season mode, media insights will be slightly reduced.
• The episode captures the mixture of hope, uncertainty, and resilience that defines both the Bills' locker room ethos and the lives of fringe roster players.
• The crew encourages listeners to join them for their live event at Thirsty Turtle in Victor on September 4th.

Summary prepared by Buffalo Plus Podcast Summarizer.