Former Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler might be making a position switch.
Hamler, 25, lined up at running back for the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter of their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night. Hamler rushed three times for 21 yards and a touchdown. He also had three catches for 11 yards in a 31-26 loss.
The decision to play Hamler at running back might have been more out of necessity than a precursor to a full-time position change. Buffalo was not playing starters and there were no other RBs left to play late in Saturday’s game. If it was experimental, Hamler seemingly made a good impression.
KJ Hamler showing off his versatility with a nice run here. He later finished off the drive with a TD run 👏 #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/KsnuqAIxPy
— BillsDigest (@billsdigest_) August 24, 2024
Hamler (5-9, 178 pounds) also got reps as a kickoff and punt returner earlier in preseason, so Buffalo is clearly giving him a shot to carve out a role.
Lots of love for #Bills WR KJ Hamler after his late TD today!#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/lNESbvTpXz
— Dom Tibbetts (@DomTibbettsTV) August 24, 2024
Hamler was picked by the Broncos in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft out of Penn State. He struggled to stay on the field in Denver and was waived last summer with a non-football illness designation after being diagnosed with pericarditis.
Hamler spent last season on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad and he’s now competing for a roster spot with the Bills. The fifth-year receiver totaled 42 receptions for 620 yards and three touchdowns in 23 games with the Broncos from 2020-2023.
