Shaq Lawson Returns to Practice Squad for the Buffalo Bills

In the NFL, familiarity and fit often drive roster moves—especially when a team is chasing a playoff spot and needs reliable depth. For the Buffalo Bills, that principle led to a homecoming this week: Shaq Lawson Returns to Practice Squad for the Buffalo Bills. Lawson, a former first-round draft pick of the Bills and a key part of their defensive line earlier in his career, rejoins the team after stints with five other NFL franchises. His return isn’t just a nostalgia play; it’s a strategic move to bolster the Bills’ pass rush depth as they push for an AFC East title and a deep playoff run. For Lawson, coming back to Buffalo means reuniting with a system he knows, a coaching staff he trusts, and a fanbase that once cheered him on as a rising star.

Shaq Lawson Returns to Practice Squad for the Buffalo Bills traces its roots to Lawson’s time as a core member of the Bills’ defense from 2016 to 2019. Selected 19th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Lawson quickly established himself as a physical edge rusher with a knack for disrupting quarterbacks. In four seasons with the Bills, he recorded 16 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles, playing a key role in the team’s transition from a rebuilding franchise to a playoff contender. His best season in Buffalo came in 2018, when he notched 6.5 sacks and started all 16 games, using his 6-foot-3, 267-pound frame to overpower offensive tackles and collapse pockets. “Buffalo gave me my first chance in the NFL, and I’ll always be grateful for that,” Lawson said in a post-signing interview. “I learned so much here—about the game, about being a professional, about what it takes to win. Coming back feels like coming home.” The Bills, meanwhile, never lost sight of Lawson’s potential; even as he bounced around the league, they kept tabs on his performance, knowing his familiarity with their defensive scheme could be valuable down the line.

Shaq Lawson Returns to Practice Squad for the Buffalo Bills comes at a critical time for the Bills’ defensive line, which has dealt with injuries and inconsistent production in recent weeks. Starting edge rusher Greg Rousseau missed two games with a knee injury earlier in the month, and backup AJ Epenesa has been limited by a shoulder issue. While both are back in the lineup, the Bills wanted additional depth to avoid overworking their starters—especially in the final stretch of the regular season, when every snap counts. Lawson’s ability to step in and contribute immediately (thanks to his knowledge of the Bills’ defense) made him an ideal candidate. “Shaq knows our system inside and out,” Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington said. “He doesn’t need weeks to learn the playbook or adjust to our terminology. He can show up to practice, understand his role, and start making plays right away. That’s the kind of depth you need when you’re fighting for a playoff spot.” Lawson’s role on the practice squad will include simulating opposing pass rushers in drills, providing scout team reps for the Bills’ offense, and being ready to be elevated to the active roster if injuries strike again.

Shaq Lawson Returns to Practice Squad for the Buffalo Bills also highlights the value of experience in the NFL—especially for a team like the Bills, who run a complex defensive scheme under coordinator Leslie Frazier. Lawson played in Frazier’s system during his first stint in Buffalo, learning the nuances of the Bills’ 4-3 defense, their pass rush techniques, and their coverage concepts. This familiarity means he can not only contribute on the field but also mentor younger edge rushers like Rousseau and Epenesa, sharing insights from his eight-year NFL career. “Having a guy like Shaq around is great for our young players,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said. “He’s been in big games, he’s played for multiple teams, and he knows what it takes to succeed in this league. He can help our younger guys grow, and that’s just as valuable as what he does on the field.” The Buffalo Bills’ practice squad has long served as a breeding ground for talent and a place to retain players with institutional knowledge—Lawson’s return fits perfectly into that model, blending on-field utility with off-field leadership.

Shaq Lawson Returns to Practice Squad for the Buffalo Bills is also a testament to Lawson’s resilience. After leaving Buffalo in 2020, he played for the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars, often bouncing between active rosters and practice squads. Despite the instability, he never lost his work ethic, continuing to refine his pass rush moves and stay in game shape. His persistence paid off when the Bills called, offering him a chance to contribute to a team with Super Bowl aspirations. “It’s been a long journey, but I never gave up,” Lawson said. “I kept working, kept believing that I had more to give. To come back to Buffalo and be part of a team that’s fighting for a championship? That’s a dream come true.” The Buffalo Bills, for their part, see Lawson as more than just a practice squad body—they view him as a potential wildcard, someone who could step up in a big game if needed. His playoff experience (he’s played in six postseason games, including a Super Bowl with the Chiefs) adds another layer of value, as the Bills prepare for what they hope is a deep run in January.

Shaq Lawson Returns to Practice Squad for the Buffalo Bills is more than just a roster move; it’s a reminder of how NFL careers can come full circle. For Lawson, it’s a chance to rewrite his Buffalo legacy, to contribute to a team he helped build, and to play for a fanbase that still remembers his early success. For the Bills, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move that strengthens their depth, adds experience, and brings a familiar face into the locker room. As the Bills gear up for a crucial matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16—with the AFC East title on the line—Lawson’s presence in practice will help the team prepare, even if he doesn’t suit up on game day. In the end, Shaq Lawson Returns to Practice Squad for the Buffalo Bills is a story of homecoming, resilience, and strategic thinking—a story that could have a happy ending if the Bills make a playoff run and Lawson gets a chance to shine once again in a Buffalo uniform.