Bills Recap Preseason Win Over Steelers as 53-Man Roster Decisions Loom

Q: Could a rookie's booming leg actually force the Bills to cut a seasoned veteran specialist?

Yes. The Bills’ rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. has very likely done enough to force Buffalo to move on from veteran Mitch Wishnowsky. That was already the direction of the competition before the preseason finale, and the Steelers game appeared to cement it. Doman averaged 52 yards on four punts in that game, placed multiple kicks inside the 20, handled holding duties for Tyler Bass, and also took kickoffs. By contrast, Wishnowsky struggled badly in the same game, including a 19-yard punt and poor hang times. Across the preseason, Doman averaged 48.1 yards per punt, had four punts inside the 20, and showed the stronger all-around skill set the Bills were looking for. The bigger issue is not just leg strength. Buffalo values directional punting, hang time, coverage fit, and specialist versatility. Doman checks several boxes: he was a top college punter in hang time, has kickoff experience, and has been trusted as a holder. That matters because the Bills’ special teams decisions are tied to roster efficiency, especially if Doman can help reduce Bass’ workload on kickoffs. Wishnowsky is not being pushed out because he failed. He was solid for Buffalo last season and limited returns effectively. But he is 34, on a one-year deal, and the Bills spent a draft pick on Doman as a potential long-term answer. Given the rookie’s preseason production and roster economics, the evidence points strongly toward Buffalo keeping Doman and cutting Wishnowsky.

3 articles · Updated · BuffaloBills.com · Aug 28

Buffalo's preseason comeback win over Pittsburgh framed the team's latest review as senior reporter Maddy Glab outlined key takeaways heading into the regular season.
On One Bills Live, Glab said the focus has shifted from the Steelers result to how Buffalo's 53-man roster will take shape.
Her appearance centered on which preseason performances could influence final cuts, linking the comeback win to the next major decision point before Week 1.