There is a an update on the status of Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis but it's a complex one. You might need a little extra attention for this one.
The latest news: Mathis has been released but reportedly he is set to return to the team right away.
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 3 matchup against the New England Patriots (1-2). Mathis is eligible to return to Buffalo's 53-man roster but the team
has opted to release him since other defensive tackles, such as DeWayne Carter, have showed positive signs early on this season.
However, Mathis is expected to re-sign with the Bills again but via the practice squad according to The Athletic:
The Bills released DL Phidarian Mathis today, according to the NFL transaction log. He just returned from a 3-game suspension.
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) September 29, 2026
The Bills are expected to sign Mathis back to the practice squad, according to a source.
As a vested veteran, Mathis was not subject to waivers.
Mathis is technically free to sign with any NFL team so there is a chance he potentially does leave the Bills. With his suspension, it's unclear if other teams would be interested, but one has to take into consideration that Mathis has likely remained in Buffalo during his suspension so it could be easier for him on a personal level to remain with the Bills.
He could also be called up from the practice squad up to three times this year anyway, so Mathis could still end up playing for the Bills as soon as Week 4.
As of now, the team has yet to confirm if Mathis has returned to the practice squad.
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills release Phidarian Mathis, but he might not be gone
