The Buffalo Bills are making some strategic defensive reinforcements ahead of their Week 14 clash with the Cincinnati Bengals, elevating two players from the practice squad: veteran defensive end Morgan Fox and linebacker Baylon Spector. Both moves speak directly to the depth challenges Buffalo is facing on the defensive side of the ball-and the urgency to patch key holes as the playoff race tightens.
Let’s start with Morgan Fox. At 31 years old, Fox brings a veteran presence to a defensive line that's been hit hard by injuries.
Signed to the Bills’ practice squad in mid-November, this will be his first standard elevation of the season. While he hasn’t seen game action yet in 2025, Fox was a consistent contributor for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, appearing in all 17 games and starting three.
He racked up 27 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits-a solid stat line for a rotational edge rusher. He also made his presence felt in the postseason, logging two tackles in the Chargers’ lone playoff outing.
Fox is no stranger to the league grind. An undrafted free agent back in 2016, he carved out a role with the Rams and has since built a respectable nine-year career.
Across 120 games, he’s totaled 27.5 sacks, 51 quarterback hits, and 33 tackles for loss. He’s also forced and recovered four fumbles.
At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Fox brings size and experience to a defensive end rotation that currently features Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and rookie Javon Solomon.
And with Joey Bosa sidelined due to a hamstring injury-and both Michael Hoecht (Achilles) and Landon Jackson (knee) on Injured Reserve-Fox’s elevation isn’t just a depth move. It’s a necessity. He’s expected to slide right into the rotation and help keep pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who thrives when given time in the pocket.
On the second level of the defense, the Bills are also turning to Baylon Spector, who’s being elevated for the third time this season. The 27-year-old linebacker has seen limited action so far, logging 25 snaps on special teams and just three on defense. He’s recorded two tackles on the year, but his primary value lies in his ability to contribute across all phases of special teams.
With starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard unavailable, Spector gives Buffalo some much-needed depth at linebacker. Shaq Thompson is expected to start in the middle, with Matt Milano and Dorian Williams rounding out the trio. Williams, like Spector, will also be a key contributor on special teams, alongside Joe Andreessen.
This week’s elevations reflect Buffalo’s ongoing battle with injuries, but also their trust in experienced, scheme-ready players who can step in and contribute immediately. For Fox, it’s a chance to show he’s still got gas in the tank. For Spector, it’s another opportunity to prove his value in the third phase of the game-and possibly carve out a larger role on defense.
With the Bengals looming and the AFC playoff picture tightening, these aren’t just roster moves. They’re calculated chess pieces in a high-stakes December matchup.