After four of the five running backs on the roster missed practice yesterday, the Buffalo Bills decided some extra depth at the position was necessary.
The team announced the signing of Daniel "Boom" Herron this morning, bringing the total number of running backs on the roster to six. To make room for Herron, the team released UDFA cornerback Julian Whigham.
Boom Herron is back on the Bills.
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) June 9, 2016
We've signed the RB and released CB Julian Whigham: https://t.co/7uD8ANPoy8 pic.twitter.com/SPOimOETOl
Herron, 27, appeared in four games with the Bills last season, his fourth in the NFL. He ran for 37 yards on 11 carries in limited action, while also returning four kickoffs for 92 yards. After his release from the Bills, Herron appeared in six games with the Indianapolis Colts, who he had spent the previous two seasons with, but did not do enough to warrant a new contract for this season. He also worked out for the Miami Dolphins on Monday.
Addressing the running back depth became a necessity after Monday, when several running backs weren't able to attend practice.
Bills were down to 1 RB for yesterday's practice: rookie Jonathan Williams. McCoy, Karlos Williams, Mike Gillislee and James Wilder all out.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) June 9, 2016
The situation harkens back to last year's preseason, when five running backs were on the shelf for the second preseason game (interesting side note: of the eight running backs listed in that article, only two are on the roster this season). Obviously, while Herron wasn't very productive in 2015, the coaching staff felt comfortable enough with him to bring him back as a camp body, at the very least.
While the odds of him making the 53-man roster are minuscule, he should be able to help some of the newer backs along in the offense while showing other teams where he stands on the field. It's a beneficial situation for all parties involved, but likely not a long-term one.