Josh Allen Proud of Spencer Brown Substitute Who Bailed Out the Bills

Grable earns a bigger role

The Bills let swing tackle Ryan Van Demark leave for Minnesota this offseason, then trusted Grable to compete for the backup job. He beat fourth-round rookie Jude Bowry in training camp.

Buffalo selected Grable from Central Florida at No. 204 in 2024. He began his rookie season ahead of Van Demark on the active roster, but a groin injury put him on Injured Reserve until December.

Two tests at right tackle

Grable first stepped in against the Los Angeles Rams on October 12, after Brown exited following 16 snaps with a back flare-up. Buffalo won 37-34 in overtime. Brown returned against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 18, but was unavailable for the Week 8 game against Baltimore after experiencing problems coming out of the Week 7 bye. Grable again took over at right tackle.

Allen praises Grable’s play

Grable played every one of the 82 possible snaps against the Ravens, helping keep pressure off Allen. The quarterback was sacked only once as Buffalo won 36-10. Allen said, “I'm so proud of him,” and praised Grable for preparing as if he would play despite uncertainty during the week. Brady also said the Rams game had boosted Grable’s confidence.

A versatile option for Buffalo

Grable, 27, has made three career starts, including his Week 18 debut against the New York Jets in 2025. A training camp head injury had kept him out until then.

Left guard Alec Anderson said the offensive line had faith in Grable and that the game felt as if Brown were playing. Former NFL lineman Brian Baldinger also praised Grable’s size, power, footwork and attitude.