The Buffalo Bills returned to the field Thursday with a lighter practice session at St. John Fisher University, one day ahead of their annual "Return of the Blue & Red" scrimmage at Highmark Stadium. While the tempo was relaxed, there was no shortage of headlines — both good and bad — as the team dealt with a string of injuries, welcomed back key players, and continued to see young talent flash.
Keon Coleman Continues to Steal the Show
If there’s one consistent storyline through the first week of camp, it’s Keon Coleman’s rise as a go-to weapon in the passing game. The second-year wideout was outstanding once again, reeling in two touchdowns during Thursday’s session.
The first came on a contested catch in the left end zone against Dane Jackson, where Coleman used his frame and timing to haul in the ball despite tight coverage. The second came on a busted coverage, with Josh Allen hitting Coleman wide open down the sideline for a score.
In red zone work against Tre’Davious White, Coleman also drew a pass interference flag — a small win against one of the league’s most physical corners. His strong performance continues to suggest he’s ready to make a year-two leap.
Injury Updates: Mixed News Across the Roster
The biggest concern of the day came from wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who exited practice after taking part in early positional drills and catching a pass during routes vs. air. Palmer, who signed a 3-year, $29 million deal this offseason, spent the remainder of practice with trainers and did not return to team drills. The Bills appear to be playing it safe, but his status will be monitored closely as he works to build chemistry with Josh Allen.
Rookie safety Cole Bishop, who has been receiving most of the first-team reps opposite Taylor Rapp, was also absent from practice due to a quad injury. It's a concerning development, especially given Bishop's missed time last summer due to a shoulder fracture. In his place, Damar Hamlin, Darrick Forrest Jr., and Cam Lewis took the bulk of the reps.
Spencer Brown took a step forward in his recovery from a back flare-up, working out with strength and conditioning staff. Shortly after, the team announced that Brown had been removed from the PUP list, signaling his return could come soon — a welcome sign for the offensive line.
Unfortunately, offensive lineman Alec Anderson underwent a knee scope and is considered week-to-week. As one of the team’s top interior backups and key to the sets with a 6th lineman. His absence leaves a hole in OL depth. If Anderson isn’t ready for Week 1, look for players like Tylan Grable or Mike Edwards to get extended opportunities.
Encouraging Returns
Elijah Moore, Dawson Knox, and Tyrell Shavers all returned to practice after missing time with minor ailments. While their reps were limited, their presence on the field suggests the team is slowly ramping them up ahead of preseason action.
Meanwhile, rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who suffered an LCL sprain earlier in camp, was spotted post-practice on crutches and wearing a knee brace. While it’s still a setback, the non-contact injury is far less serious than initially feared.
Landon Jackson and Ray Davis Flash
Rookie edge rusher Landon Jackson, who had been relatively quiet through the first few practices, made his presence known against the second-team offense. He blew up a pass play during team drills, forcing the rep to be blown dead, and then followed that up by stuffing a run the very next play.
Running back Ray Davis also made the most of his reps, breaking free for a 20-yard touchdown run through a small crease. Known for his bruising style, Davis showed impressive vision and acceleration, giving the Bills a glimpse of what he could bring as a change-of-pace back behind James Cook.
Ed Oliver Dominates Again
Ed Oliver is quietly stacking one of the most disruptive training camps of his career. On Thursday, he logged two would-be sacks and consistently collapsed the pocket. On one play, he teamed up with Taron Johnson to generate pressure, while on another he blew by the line for a quick interior win. If Oliver stays healthy, he could be poised for a career year.
Depth Watch: Bubble Players Making Their Case
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Joe Andreessen continues to impress in run support, shooting into the backfield for a TFL on Darrynton Evans. He rotated with Shaq Thompson and Baylon Spector on the first-team defense.
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Speaking of Spector, the linebacker got some interesting reps at outside linebacker, suggesting the Bills are exploring his versatility amid injury concerns.
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Dorian Strong, the rookie CB out of Virginia Tech, logged another pass breakup and continues to see increased work with Hairston out.
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Kristian Wilkerson, filling in with the WR group thinned by injuries, caught a tight-window touchdown from Josh Allen and made several solid grabs throughout the day.
Notable Absences
Players who did not practice Thursday included:
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OT Spencer Brown (just activated from PUP)
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C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (calf, PUP)
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WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring)
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WR Kaden Prather (hamstring)
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OL Alec Anderson (knee)
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OT Dion Dawkins (vet rest)
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DE Greg Rousseau (vet rest)
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DT DaQuan Jones (vet rest)
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LB Terrel Bernard (hamstring)
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LB Dorian Williams (calf)
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CB Maxwell Hairston (knee)
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S Cole Bishop (quad)
Final Thoughts
With the scrimmage at Highmark Stadium on deck, the Bills will get their first stadium reps of the summer under the lights. Injuries are beginning to accumulate, but the team has continued to find silver linings in the form of standout performances from both veterans and young hopefuls.
From Keon Coleman’s star turn to encouraging signs from Landon Jackson, Ray Davis, and Ed Oliver, the Bills are rounding into form as the preseason approaches. But as always, health and depth will remain the focal point as roster decisions begin to loom.
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