Shaq Thompson’s return to the Buffalo Bills as a practice-squad linebacker may prove to be more significant than it initially appears.
When the team announced their initial 17-man practice squad ahead of next season, Thompson's name was on it despite not taking part in training camp or the preseason. NFL teams are allowed to add outside players to their taxi squad and Thompson was one for the Bills.
Thompson has already demonstrated his ability to step up when Buffalo needs him, as was the case last season. In 2026, there is reason to believe that he will do it again if the opportunity presents itself.
Thompson, 32, started in six of the 12 games that he played in last season for Buffalo. He recorded a sack, six tackles for loss, two passes defensed
and one forced fumble on the year. He also became a factor in the playoffs, recording two tackles for loss and an interception across two postseason games played.
That track record makes Thompson an intriguing insurance option for the Bills in the event that the defense faces injuries and changing personnel demands. His experience, physicality and familiarity with the organization give him a clear advantage to get called up from the practice squad at some point in 2026.
Thompson is not guaranteed a call-up in 2026. But that may not be a permanent roadblock in his path. If an opportunity opens, he has already shown that he is capable of helping the team play well on defense. A surprise year may be on the horizon for him in 2026.
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Will Bills ILB Shaq Thompson emerge from practice squad in 2026?
