Buffalo Bills Roster Watch: Stock Up, Stock Down After First Preseason Game

The Buffalo Bills took care of business in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, winning 29-14.

From start to finish, there was a lot to like about the first game action under new head coach Joe Brady. The starters on both sides of the ball looked to be in regular-season form, and a number of depth players made their case to be given more opportunities in the final two preseason games. On the other side, some players didn't help their case for the 53-man roster come September.

But who did the most to move up the depth chart and who has some work to do? 

CB Davison Igbinosun - Starting in place of the injured Maxwell Hairston, Igbinosun didn't look out of place on the boundary. The rookie from Ohio State didn't make any splash plays, but he stuck with his receivers and didn't give anything up downfield. That's all you can ask for as a corner.  

CB Kani Walker - He's been the darling of training camp to many, and the undrafted rookie free agent from Arkansas continues to make a case for a spot on the 53-man roster. His first preseason game ended with an interception on a screen pass. And based on the reaction from everyone on the roster, he's becoming a locker-room favorite as well.

CB Jordan Hancock - The second-year corner was all over the field on Sunday. It wasn't just in coverage, either. Hancock finished with four tackles, including two for losses.

RBs Ian Wheeler and Frank Gore Jr. - I included them in the instant reactions on Saturday, but it can't be overstated how impressive both were. It's a long shot for them to make the roster out of camp, but if Ty Johnson remains sidelined, whoever can separate themselves over the next two weeks has a chance to be a placeholder until he returns. 

WR Mecole Hardman Jr. - Fully healthy, Hardman has performed well all summer for the Bills. Against the Panthers, he had one catch for three yards, but had a 27-yard run on an end-around in the second quarter. In the punt return game, he only had one attempt and took it for 12 yards. 

DE Mike Danna - He had just two tackles in the game, but both were sacks, including one that ended a drive on fourth down. If he continues to make impact plays like that, he might have a shot of making the final roster.

WR Dante Pettis - Pettis' true chance to make the roster was going to be as a returner. Unfortunately, he had a fumble on Saturday. While he managed to recover the ball, putting it on the ground at the one position that's wide open for you isn't going to go over well. 

CB Maxwell Hairston - Hairston's rookie season was plagued by injuries, and the same can already be said for year two. With his starting spot opposite Christian Benford anything but guaranteed, Hairston missed the preseason opener. When he returns, he'll have the chance to prove he should be the week one starter, but the leash might be a short one after seeing Igbinosun's comfort level in the role.

LB Joe Andreesen - Buffalo Joe has a sweet spot with Bills fans, but he still needs to earn his spot on the roster. Right now, he's fighting with Keonta Jenkins for a final spot, and the edge is going to Jenkins after one game. He's going to have to make a statement in the final two games to make the roster for the third straight year.