JORDAN POYER is BACK, CB injuries and Tyrell Shavers on MAKING the cut

Summary

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.

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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)

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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.”

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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 |

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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.

Transcript

[Jordan Poyer]

You know, I feel like this is a way for me to be able to give back. You know, I feel like I can still give back to the game in many ways, you know, whether that be on the field or off the field. And, you know, like I said, this is where my heart is. I'm extremely thankful to be here.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right, welcome back to the Buffalo plus channel, presented by Connors and Ferris. Mike Catalana. I am Jenna Cottrell. Dan Fates with a veteran. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We're going to get into the injuries at cornerback. A familiar face in Jordan Poyer being back here. Khalil Shakir, an update on him. But first, I want to remind everyone, September 4th, we're doing Buffalo plus live at the Thirsty Turtle in Victor. Five to seven is going to be a meet and greet. Then we're going to record the podcast afterwards. It's going to be a ton of fun. We would love to see you there. It is free to come out as well.

[Dan Fates]

It was fun last year. We're going to be there. I think we're supposed to be outside this year. Weather provided, right? If that's the good case, we'll be there.

[Jenna Cottrell]

The weather will be provided.

[Dan Fates]

If it's.

[Jenna Cottrell]

If it's permitting. We hope it's that.

[Dan Fates]

That's what I meant to say, but you are right. We'll be ready. We hope you come out there, but no matter whether you can come or not, we'll be recording a podcast that you can watch.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Love to see it. We would love to see out there. Okay, let's talk a little bit. We're here at practice. It's Wednesday. Jordan Poyer being back in the building. We got to talk about it. Signed to the practice squad. We know Jordan Phillips also signed to the practice squad. Seeing number 21 back here, it was. I was a little. I was like, wow, there's Jordan Poyer. It just. It felt like. It felt like no time had passed.

[Dan Fates]

It's so wild, though. These guys aren't gone for that long. But then they come back. Right Is the case. And I do believe I mentioned it one time, and I will use this phrase. I believe it was pooh, poohed when I said it. Is that really. It is that word, right? To have him come back. And now he's back and we can say, like, Micah Hyde, because Micah came back, mentor role and all those things. But, Jenna, Micah Hyde came back in, like, week 11 and he has a neck injury and he never played. And it ended up seeming that Way, I think it's a mentor role to start, but we'll see how it plays out.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, he talked about how, yeah, he wants to be a mentor, but also he does want to play. And here's what Poyer had to say about the decision to come back and specifically to be here with Buffalo.

[Jordan Poyer]

You know, this is. This is where my heart is. You know, this is where home is, where, you know, I essentially grew up in this game on and off the field. You know, my daughter's growing up in this. This town, the city, and, you know, I feel like this is a way for me to be able to give back. You know, I feel like I can still give back to the game in many ways, you know, whether that be on the field or off the field. And, you know, like I said, this is where my heart is. I'm extremely thankful to be here.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So I think that is going to be something I'm fascinated to watch because, look, Poirier even talked about he's 34 years old. Like, he was training in South Florida, but it wasn't exactly football training. What shape will he be in? How long will it take him to feel acclimated and ramped up? And then also, will there be a spot for him out on the field?

[Dan Fates]

Once you hit 34 years old, you cannot stay in shape. At least that's what I've been told.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I concur.

[Dan Fates]

Look, watching him last year in Miami, it was not great, okay? In the end of his time here, he gives everything on the field. He has been beaten up. Now he goes down to Miami. Look, he talked about it, that culture down there, not great. I think when you're a guy his age and the amount of time and effort he's put into the league, it's hard to play in a situation like that. But that's where he ended up. I think he'll be revitalized. There's no rush to get him out on the field. 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. But, you know, we'll see how this all plays out. It's also, hey, Cole Bishop, you got a guy to help you, just like last year. But Bishop is clearly to start the season. He is the starter, you know, at the other safety spot.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And you got to talk to Cole Bishop today after practice. And I am just curious, like, what did you get from Engage. From his reaction?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. You know, even he said, I'm not 100% sure how this is Going to go like, they have been talking to Poyer, but I don't think they're sitting there saying to Cole Bishop, hey, you know, we might be bringing back Jordan Poyer. It doesn't work that way. You know, his job is to go out there and prepare. I think he loved to get the help that he did for Micah last year. And there is a difference between a coach or just a guy who stops by and helps out. And he's out there doing drills on the field, he can physically show you. You can watch him do reps. He is competition for you. If you're a Cole Bishop, like. Cause Jordan Poyer, you know, drove to Kansas City to play in a game. This guy has that in him to be out there on the field. He's going to want to help Cole, but if he's ready, he's going to want to get on the field, too.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He did talk about how, you know, I meant what I said when I said I wanted to retire in Buffalo. And playing in Miami last year, it just went sideways. So for him to be back, it's like, yeah, the practice squad is nice. And I think that that stage, definitely a piece of where he's at. But also, you're right, Like, I think he does. He's not here to be a rah rah guy. Like, he also wants to play if that opportunity presents itself. And that is both based on two things. That is based on Cole Bishop and where Jordan Poyer is at.

[Dan Fates]

Maybe he's going to start a new trend. You are in South Florida and then you move to Buffalo to retire. Wouldn't that be something, right?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, that's totally fair.

[Dan Fates]

The other thing I wanted to add is, you know, his teammates obviously excited to see him back, including Taron Johnson. And Taron has seen, you know, like, Trey and everybody else, Jordan Phillips, everybody who's back. So I asked him, have you thought about the way you'll want to go and come back yet? The crazy thing is I have thought about it because I see it happening so often, but I ain't thinking. I ain't thinking that far ahead. Just don't sell your house. Yeah, I got you. Thanks. He's so good, isn't he? Like, he's thought about it, right? Because he goes. It happens. You know, he's got Trey next to him. He's got Jordan Phillips. He's had other guys. Micah last year, they all come back. They all come back to Buffalo. So they do.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, Jordan Phillips here today as well. We got to talk to him after Too. He talked. He had a similar sentiment of, like, yeah, I would love to help out the younger guys and teach them how to be a professional. And also, like, I want to play. I want to be able to contribute to this team. So I think for both guys, it's, you know, that aspect of how can you do both? Or what does that look like? As you are now in the latter half, the ending of your career, it.

[Dan Fates]

Seems when you look at the D tackle spot, right, you got Daquon, you got Ed in the middle, and then behind them, two rookies, and Carter, who played very little last year, so you don't have that experience. And Ogun Jobi is not going to be back till after six weeks. So I think there is a real path for him to get elevated and get snaps very early on, because when you look at how young they are in the backup spots.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, for sure. I feel like Jordan Phillips has way more of a path to being actually active on game day than it stands at for Jordan Poyer right now. But obviously, we'll have to see how that all plays out. All right, some updates in terms of the injury front. So both Trey White, we got a little update on him from Brandon Bean. Bean was asked if he would be ruled out for week one. He said, I would not do that. I would not rule out Trey White for week one. Now, in terms of what the injury is, all we know right now is, is a little lower leg injury. Very hockey. Um, but there was nothing specifically said about Trey.

[Dan Fates]

He's rehabbing. Now, there could be a little gamesmanship, too, because getting ready for the Ravens. And it's a little different with Trey. They know Trey. He was on the Ravens. We saw him here. He was not out there. He's rehabbing. But we did see him in the building, so he, you know, and Christian Benford standing on the sidelines. I think Benford's going to be fine.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Benford did not practice on Wednesday. I agree. I think it's not something to press the panic button on, but also when you have both of your starting safeties, presumably not pract or starting corners, not practicing. Max Hairston was also standing next to Christian. Benford, obviously is being put on ir, so that's something to seriously monitor.

[Dan Fates]

You got to look at Jamarcus Ingram.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Dane Jackson's back on the practice squad. So he's here. And then you look at Dorian Strong, the rookie. So these are your options right now. If Tre is not back and ready to go for the opener, at what.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Point would you Be concerned. Worried.

[Dan Fates]

I'm a little concerned right now. Only because, you know, he was hurt, but, I mean, Trey's got his bucket hat on. He's walking around. It didn't look like there was any thing in terms of, like, a brace or anything like that. But again, there's a big difference between walking around, seeing us, and being out there practicing. So they're gonna have a walk through on Thursday. They get a few days off, then they get back here for the next week to get ready. So, hey, if you don't see him out on the field or doing stuff next Wednesday, then you got big issues.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Some positive news. We're going to end with some positivity. Khalil Shakir practicing for the first time since the red and blue Scrimmage, which was August 1st. So seeing him get back out onto the field, I think as we approach week one, which is crazy to think about, that it's right around the corner. But seeing him back out there, the rapport he has with Josh, all of his. Obviously. Excuse me. All of those things, that, to me, a step in the right direction.

[Dan Fates]

Absolutely. He's looked good. We've seen him on the side, he was on the bike, and then you'd see him out and the whole time. And when Shawn McDermott was very positive saying, we believe he's back for the opener, you felt like this was the ramp up. It made total sense to see him out there today because he's coming off an injury that he had suffered a little while back. So all that's a positive. I feel very good about Shakir now. Again, he practiced today, so we'll see how he recovers from that. But he looked good.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, agreed. Anything else you want to mention?

[Dan Fates]

Tyrell Shavers.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, yeah, sorry.

[Dan Fates]

Fantastic. Got a chance to talk to him, too, about the process of finding out. You know, last year, he found out he was being cut, and then he waited on the practice squad. So I asked him, like, how did you find out you made the team?

[Tyrell Shavers]

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. And then we got to come in. We had to be in at 1 o', clock, so it was just like another day, like. But every time a notification popped up, I'm like, it's the call. But it was never anything, like, bad or anything. It was just people checking in, trying to see what's going on with me. I'm like, I don't know nothing yet.

[Dan Fates]

The ultimate no news is good news. So he's like. And he said it hasn't really hit him yet, the fact that he's on the 53 and he is one of those six wide receivers. But you think, you know, and I'm not sure of how much he heard, but, you know, he was also like, people are calling him. He's like, I don't know anything yet during the day. And then eventually, you know, he's like, hey, show up. We got practice today. And that's how he knew he was on the team.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm a little surprised they didn't pull him into the office and give him a little bit of like a, hey, man, you earned this. Are you surprised by that?

[Dan Fates]

I think maybe he's going to hear that. Or maybe he has heard it since he didn't reference that. But they also look, that dude is locked in.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And he is like, yes, I earned it. But when you're the. Wherever you want to say, I'll say sixth wide receiver. Because he was the. You know, the one that you would have said was added to the list. You are always fighting. You are always fighting to stay on that 53. And the other thing he's going to be fighting to do is to be active on game day. So let's see how that plays out. But I am thrilled for the guy to be out there.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. And Jimmy Charlo.

[Dan Fates]

Love it. I am a Jimmy Charlotte Jersey guy and U.S. army guy. West Point, made some plays. You saw him on Hard Knocks. Humble about all that. Great to see him out here on the practice squad.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I think that was really cool. So Shavers and him seeing him out there, Obviously Charlo is a practice squad guy, but still, I mean, he joined the team not even, what, 20 days ago. He said he came up to Buffalo with two pairs of clothes. I would imagine he's got more now. Yeah, I'm gonna hope he has more now.

[Dan Fates]

Well, his dad and stepmom were at the game. Maybe they brought him. They brought him some clothes. Jimmy, go out. There's a target right around the corner. We were there today, so get some clothes. You'll be ready.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right. Anything else?

[Dan Fates]

No, I don't think so. It's a fun day to be up here again. It's this weird time now, the way they do it with only the three preseason games where they're going to just have this.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And then we don't see them for a little while. But it'll be. It'll be good. And we'll be ready for next week to get ready for the Ravens.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And I do think it's important to note, like, because it's regular season now it's regular season mode, we cannot watch all of practice. There's a portion of practice that is open to the media. So we can't really give our new dude of the day or whatever because we just don't have the same access. And that wouldn't be fair to you guys to to just talk about people that we haven't seen.

[Dan Fates]

So if we only have a limited time in the building, very limited. We're sort of there and then out. But it's regular season mode.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Has the regular season almost here. Join us Thursday, September 4th thirsty turtle Friday to get in live recording the podcast meet and greet as well. Thirsty Turtle and Victor, we would love to see you there. Please be sure to like comment, subscribe and share. We will catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus channel. From Mike Catalana, I am Jenna Cottrell. Dan Fates with a veteran day off. Thank you for watching Buffalo plus, presented by Connors and Ferris.