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Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills makes adjustments during the game against the Miami Dolphins.
The Buffalo Bills brought back a familiar face last month to make up for a big defensive injury, but now could watch that player suit up for a rival.
The New York Jets announced on Tuesday that they signed edge rusher Kingsley Jonathan, who had several stints in Buffalo and signed with the Bills briefly this season. Jonathan is headed to the practice squad, but could have the chance to take the field when the Jets travel to Buffalo for the season finale.
Bills Brought Kingsley Jonathan Back for Depth in November
The Bills first signed Jonathan as an undrafted free agent out of Syracuse in 2022 and he went on to appear in 21 games over three seasons. He made a total of 10 tackles and three quarterback hits, playing a regular role in the 2023 season while Von Miller was recovering from a torn ACL.
Jonathan was also a regular on special teams during his first stints in Buffalo, a role that helped him find a spot on the roster.
Jonathan returned to the Bills in November, signing to the practice squad after edge rusher Michael Hoecht was lost to a season-ending injury. The Bills came up short in looking for defensive help at the trade deadline, but brought back Jonathan after a workout.
Hoecht was one of the biggest offseason additions, but was forced to sit out the first six games due to a suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs. Bills head coach Sean McDermott lamented his loss after a strong showing in two games.
“He’s looked forward to these moments because he was out earlier in the year with his suspension,” McDermott said. “To get off to such a fiery start and impact the team in such an influential way in such a short amount of time, when you go through a situation like that it’s a natural disappointment. It’s a shame, it really is…He is as tough as they come and it’s important that we support him all the way through this.”
Jonathan didn’t end up playing a role in replacing Hoecht. He did not appear in any games and was waived less than a week after being signed.
Bills Defense Faces Big Test
The Bills moved to 9-4 after a come-from-behind win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, one that was keyed by a pair of huge defensive plays. Bills cornerback Christian Benford took a pass out of quarterback Joe Burrow’s hands and returned it for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, and then the Bills got another interception on the next play from scrimmage to set up a drive that extended their lead.
The Bills face another big test with Sunday’s rematch against the New England Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots handed the Bills their first loss of the season in October, and Buffalo will now need a win to keep their slim hopes of winning the AFC East alive.
If the Bills can stay in the division race — or even if they’re just fighting for wild-card seeding — then their rematch against the Jets and Jonathan in Week 18 could have massive implications.
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty
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