Jonathan Acosta

Buffalo

Sports Reporter at WGRZ-TV (Buffalo, NY)

Sports Reporter @WGRZ | Colombiano 🇨🇴| @UFJSchool grad 🐊 | RI born, FL raised | Formerly: @KVALnews, @5NEWS

Articles

Rochester Americans playoff shutouts highlight Devon Levi's development

6 days ago | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — When its the Amerks' turn visit Laval in the North Division Finals, it will mark a homecoming for goaltender Devon Levi. “I love playing there,” Levi said. “Got some family in town, some friends will be there.
Buffalo Sabres drop to 9th in NHL Draft Lottery

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres went into Monday night's NHL Draft Lottery with the 7th best odds to come away with the first overall pick in this summer's draft. Not only did the Sabres not wind up with the first pick, but they actually dropped two slots while a team with lower odds of winning than Buffalo won the night's top prize. The New York Islanders entered the night with the 10th-best odds of hitting the jackpot at 3.5%.
Bills prepare for final day picks at 2025 NFL Draft

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The 2025 NFL Draft is into its final day in Green Bay. After addressing the defensive side of the ball with their first three picks, the Bills enter the third day of the draft with seven picks: one 4th-rounder (No. 132), three 5th-rounders (Nos. 169, 170, 173), one 6th-rounder (No. 206) and one 7th-rounder (No. 240). This draft tracker will update all of the selections the Bills make on day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Pair of Western New York natives set to coach in Final Four with Florida Gators

1 month ago | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

BUFFALO, N.Y. — There are a few things that tie Carlin Hartman and Jonathan Safir together. First, their Western New York roots. “I represent Buffalo proudly, I go everywhere with this thing,” Hartman said over Zoom as he put on a blue Bills hat. “Sundays, we’re texting about the Bills,” Safir said.
Tage Thompson returns to practice with Sabres eyeing 5th straight win before break

Feb 7, 2025 | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres had a big name back on the ice Friday at practice over the LECOM Harborcenter. Tage Thompson practiced with the team for the first time since exiting last Sunday's win over the Devils after a hit from New Jersey's Stefan Noesen to Thompson's head and neck area. "Good day on the ice," Thompson said after practice. "Skated by myself the last two days and felt good there too. It's nice to get back on the ice with the team.
Bills vs. Jets: Key matchup to watch for on Monday Night Football

Oct 14, 2024 | abc10.com | Lindsey Moppert |Jon Scott |Jonathan Acosta

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills face the New York Jets in week six for an AFC East showdown on Monday night football. The Channel 2 sports team each gives a key to the game before things get underway inside MetLife Stadium. Jon Scott – Jump Out Early We’ve seen it before. Teams often rally around major coaching changes. The boost is there the following game after the move, especially early. The Bills did it last season following the firing of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.
Bills RB James Cook named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Sep 18, 2024 | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — As if a primetime win over a division rival in his hometown wasn't enough, Bills running back James Cook is earning one more piece of recognition after shining in South Florida. The NFL announced Wednesday that Cook is the Week 2 AFC Offensive Player of the Week. The award comes on the heels of a dynamic performance from the third-year running back, totaling three total touchdowns and 95 total yards in the Bills 31-10 win over the Dolphins on Thursday night.
Babich 'pretty excited' to take on Bills defensive play calling duties

Sep 5, 2024 | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — There's a new person who is calling defensive plays for the Bills this season. "Pretty excited, pretty excited," said Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich about the opportunity. Bills head coach Sean McDermott is passing the baton to Babich in Babich's first year as defensive coordinator. "He told me when he felt like I needed to know that I was doing it," Babich said with a laugh. "I appreciate him, his belief in me," Babich added about McDermott.
Bills QB signing DiNucci grateful for opportunity in Buffalo

Aug 13, 2024 | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — There was a trio of new faces Tuesday in Orchard Park for Bills practice. Two of the three were receivers, with the team announcing the signings of Damiere Byrd and Deon Cain. The third new face was a new third string in the Bills quarterback room. Former Cowboys and Broncos backup Ben DiNucci is now in Buffalo after the team placed QB Shane Buechele on injured reserve following a neck injury he suffered Saturday in the preseason opener against Pittsburgh.
Bills place WR Chase Claypool on IR, add QB Ben DiNucci amid flurry of roster moves

Aug 13, 2024 | wgrz.com | Jonathan Acosta

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — It appears Chase Claypool's time in Buffalo may come to an end before ever playing a down for the Bills. The Bills placed Claypool on injured reserve Tuesday amid a series of moves that included the signing of quarterback Ben DiNucci. The team also announced the placing of QB Shane Buechele on IR, the signings of wide receivers Damiere Byrd and Deon Cain, and the waiving of wide receiver Bryan Thompson.