The Buffalo Bills had a curious episode with defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis this week.
Mathis, a former second-round pick in 2022, initially joined Buffalo's practice squad in September 2025. Then this past spring, Mathis re-signed with the team via a one-year deal.
During training camp, Mathis was impressing but was hit with a three-game suspension
from the NFL for violating the NFL's Substances of Abuse Policy.The Bills are (3-0) now entering their Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots (1-2). Mathis is eligible to return to Buffalo's 53-man roster but the team opted to release him since other defensive tackles, such as DeWayne Carter, have showed positive signs early on this season.
But then just like that, Mathis was re-signed
to the practice squad.
So why the rotation with his roster status? Buffalo head coach Joe Brady is always coy about his roster decisions and injury designations. It sounded like Brady nearly gave away a plan for Mathis but Brady caught himself at the end of his comments and added an "if."
"There's a reason we signed him in the offseason," Brady said. "When he's ready to rock... I'll be excited to see him... if he has an opportunity to play."
Regardless, it sounds like we will see Mathis at some point this season, it just remains to be seen when.
Brady's full comments can be found in the clip below:
Joe Brady on DT Phidarian Mathis returning from suspension: “It’s unfortunate what happened.. He did what he had to do and was able to stay in shape.. He’s back in the building. Excited to see him.. There’s a reason we signed him.”
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) September 30, 2026
Bills love Mathis, he’s on practice squad pic.twitter.com/MldKrDYDS4
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills' Joe Brady explains releasing, immediately re-signing defender
