Getting 19 snaps, over 30% of available playtime, in a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, Bills fullback Ben VanSumeren #45 is definitely making some noise. But what does it really mean when Week 2 looks like a battle for depth spots, and a niche role like fullback is front and center?
This Guy Can Do Everything (Almost!)
Let’s break down VanSumeren’s game, because honestly, there’s a lot to unpack. First off, this guy’s got a decent amount of athleticism and versatility, no doubt. Now, I didn’t see any mind-blowing “pop” that screams overwhelming force or blocking dominance in those limited opportunities, but he looked super sharp as a move blocker. And get this, he was out there playing with *every single quarterback* and every wave of the offense. When the first string was on the field, they actually trusted VanSumeren to block for James Cook. That’s a real vote of confidence, right?
Buffalo Is Betting Big on a Comeback Story
Here’s where it gets wild: VanSumeren was frequently lining up out wide, even running routes and snagging a catch with Shane Buechele and what are described as the “very back end” players. To me, that’s not just a guy filling a spot. That tells you the Bills coaching staff is willing to sacrifice evaluating other players just to see what they *really* have in VanSumeren. This is a veteran player, in the league since 2023, but it hasn’t exactly been a straight shot to fullback glory. He was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a linebacker. It wasn’t until 2024 that the Eagles started letting him play fullback, and he only got 22 offensive snaps before a November injury took him out. Then, in 2025, the plan was for him to stay at fullback, but he got injured on the *opening kickoff* in Week 1 and was lost for the season. He played fullback in college, so the position isn’t totally foreign, but his pro journey there has been a grind.
So, 19 snaps in a preseason game is a huge look for a player with VanSumeren’s history. With the regular season just around the corner, Buffalo is clearly putting him through the paces to find out exactly what they’ve got in #45. It’s an intriguing gamble, and you know the Bills are hoping it pays off big.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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