Buffalo Bills Released Linebacker Mike Danna

The team promoted cornerback Anthony Kendall to the active roster following a series of defensive injuries.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football

Buffalo Bills Released Linebacker Mike Danna

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The Buffalo Bills have released outside linebacker Mike Danna. To fill the vacancy on the active roster, the team promoted cornerback Anthony Kendall from the practice squad.

Why it matters

Buffalo moved to cut Danna to prioritize secondary depth after experiencing significant personnel losses. The shift is designed to address roster instability stemming from current injuries within the defensive backfield.

Mike Danna concludes his brief tenure with Buffalo after appearing in just 1 game, leaving behind a career total of 21.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles across 88 games. The 26-year-old Anthony Kendall joins the active roster to bolster the depth chart.

The players

Mike Danna

He is an outside linebacker who previously won two Super Bowls and recorded 21.5 career sacks.

Anthony Kendall

He is a 26-year-old cornerback who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

Buffalo Bills

This professional football organization is based in Buffalo and competes in the AFC East.

Ed Oliver

He is a defensive player for the Buffalo Bills who was recently ruled out due to a knee injury.

Phidarian Mathis

He is a defensive player elevated to the active roster by the Buffalo Bills.

The details

The Bills initiated the roster change to mitigate defensive gaps caused by injury, which also prompted the team to elevate Phidarian Mathis after Ed Oliver was sidelined with a knee injury. Danna, who had joined the franchise earlier this year, departs the club after a limited stint.

2023: Anthony Kendall entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
May 2026: Mike Danna signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.
August 2026: Anthony Kendall signed with the Buffalo Bills practice squad.
October 12, 2026: The Buffalo Bills released Mike Danna.

Season Trajectory

This transaction reflects the Bills' attempt to maintain defensive coverage during a season marked by significant injury setbacks. By swapping personnel, the front office seeks to optimize the roster to stay competitive within the division standings.

Fantasy managers and observers should monitor the secondary's performance, as Kendall's promotion indicates a critical need for depth following the loss of Ed Oliver. The move highlights a shift in the defensive rotation that could impact overall team sack totals and coverage efficiency.

The takeaway

Roster management in the NFL is highly fluid, particularly when teams face a cascade of injuries in specific position groups. Fans should expect continued reliance on practice squad elevations as franchises scramble to fill immediate gaps in their starting lineup.