As part of a handful of transactions on Thursday, the Bills waived cornerback Dorian Strong with a non-football injury designation. They also waived/injured running back Desmond Reid and waived wide receiver Gabriel Benyard. The Bills signed receivers Deven Thompkins and Max Tomczak in corresponding moves.
Strong is likely to make a quick return to the organization, as he is expected to miss the season with a neck injury, per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. Assuming Strong clears waivers, Buffalo will place him on IR.
As a sixth-round rookie from Virginia Tech in 2025, Strong appeared in four games and made 10 tackles. He started in his debut, a Week 1 win over the Ravens, as the Bills were without injured corners Maxwell Hairston and Tre’Davious White.
While Strong looked like capable depth in limited action last season, the 24-year-old’s career has been in doubt since the Bills placed him on IR in early October. General manager Brandon Beane revealed in April that Strong underwent “specialized” neck surgery after the season. Beane admitted then that it is “unknown” if Strong will play again (via Ryan Miller of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle).
Thompkins, the only other member of this group with NFL experience, took advantage of a minicamp invitation this week. So far, all 36 of his pro appearances have come with NFC South teams. He played for the Buccaneers from 2022-23, with whom he logged extensive work as a return man, before joining the Panthers in 2024 and the Falcons last year. The 5-foot-8, 155-pounder has totaled 29 catches, including three in seven games in 2025. The Falcons waived Thompkins in early May.
Nephew of former Bears QB Mike Tomczak.
Hopefully Dorian Strong has a top notch insurance policy against career ending injury. Very sad situation. He was a very promising prospect.