Bills add DB Roberson and TE Christian to active roster

The Bills have activated two players from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s key matchup against the Patriots.

Tight end Gerald Christian was added to the 53-man roster yesterday, and today the team activated defensive back Marcus Roberson to the main squad. To make room for the two players, the Bills released tight end Manasseh Garner and wide receiver Ed Eagan.

Roberson’s next snap with the Bills will be his first, but he saw plenty of playing time with the Rams over the last two seasons. He appeared in 25 games, including all 16 last season, and recorded six starts in St. Louis. He was added to the Bills practice squad prior to the start of the regular season, and has remained there ever since, so he has familiarity with the scheme and coaching staff.

Roberson’s activation likely signals the end of the season for Aaron Williams, who may never play again after a cheap shot from Dolphins wideout Jarvis Landry landed him in the hospital. Roberson is a cornerback by trade, and it’s likely that Robert Blanton is going to take AWill’s place in the starting lineup, but adding another body in the back end may allow the coaching staff to shuffle some players around or provide some corner-heavy looks going forward.

Christian played his first NFL game earlier this season when the Bills beat the now-Los Angeles Rams, 30-19, in Week 5. He only appeared in five plays, and wasn’t prominently featured, but the 6’3”, 250-pounder can provide some bulk up front as well as a possible red zone target for Tyrod Taylor (only 6’4” Justin Hunter is taller among possible pass targets). he had been released prior to last week’s loss in favor of Garner, who may end up returning to the practice squad.

Eagan spent a couple days with the Bills, primarily as insurance in case Robert Woods wasn’t fully recovered from his foot injury. Given his release, it would seem that Woods is good to go for Sunday, although it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be.