Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills have elevated cornerback Xavier Rhodes and running back Duke Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Buffalo did not elevate quarterback Matt Barkley, which is significant for the potential status of starting quarterback Josh Allen.
Allen is questionable to play on Sunday with an elbow injury. He was a limited participant in practice on Friday just after head coach Sean McDermott told WGR they were "taking it one hour at a time” during his weekly radio appearance on the "Extra Point Show".
Related
By not elevating Barkley, that means Allen and Case Keenum are the only quarterbacks on the active roster, essentially guaranteeing Allen will be suiting up and active, and presumably start.
Rhodes could very well be a replacement for cornerback Kaiir Elam, who is doubtful to play with an ankle injury. Cornerback Tre’Davious White was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list last week, but was inactive for the team’s game last Sunday against the New York Jets.
Johnson’s elevation is intriguing one. The Bills already have running back Devin Singletary, have been using running back James Cook more as of late, and traded for running back Nyheim Hines a little over a week ago. Hines is already their primary punt returner.
The Vikings also made a couple of roster moves on Saturday, signing cornerback Duke Shelley to the 53-man roster. In addition, Minnesota has placed starting cornerback Cameron Dantzler on Injured Reserve, and elevating tight end Nick Muse from the practice squad.
Follow me on Twitter: @SalSports
