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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.

Updates from Week 2

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

Josh Allen sat out the 34-25 preseason loss to the New York Giants for precautionary reasons. One of the league's elite quarterbacks and the reigning NFL MVP, Allen has nothing to prove in August and will be judged solely by what he does when the games count. His training camp earned him the team's Offensive MVP award, with general manager Brandon Beane praising his preparation and leadership. Allen's timing and ball placement stood out, and he has developed early chemistry with new receivers Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore. Mitchell Trubisky started against the Giants, beginning slowly before hitting Tyrell Shavers for a 58-yard gain to set up a touchdown. Mike White took over in the second half with a similar pattern, eventually leading a scoring drive. The backup competition remains open, but Trubisky's experience could be a deciding factor.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

James Cook's contract hold-in has remained the defining storyline of camp. Cook warmed up in full pads against the Giants but refused to play, with head coach Sean McDermott saying, "He agreed to warm up but not play due to his situation right now. That's where we're at." Allen called Cook "one of a kind" and stressed how much the offense needs him. Cook is coming off a season with 16 rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores, but Buffalo is hesitant to extend a pass-protection liability at top-tier running back money. Cook did take part in Tuesday morning's practice, so the hold-in might be over. If the Cook were to miss time during the season, Ray Davis projects to start. Davis had a quiet game on the ground against New York but also stepped in to kick an extra point with Tyler Bass sidelined. Ty Johnson looked explosive in limited touches, while Frank Gore Jr. was the most productive, rushing five times for 21 yards and catching five passes for 50 yards. All three backups would be in line for increased roles without Cook, though none can match his big-play ability.

Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers

Injuries to Khalil Shakir (ankle) and Curtis Samuel (hamstring) shuffled the starting lineup against the Giants. Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer played outside with Elijah Moore in the slot. Palmer was the most productive of the group and has impressed throughout camp with his separation skills and catch radius. Shakir is expected back soon, but Samuel's roster spot is less secure after a second straight summer injury. Tyrell Shavers has made a strong push for a roster spot, with coaches praising his versatility and special teams value, and he caught two passes for 70 yards in the preseason opener. Laviska Shenault Jr saw work as a returner and added a 17-yard reception and a two-point conversion, while KJ Hamler caught a 39-yard touchdown from White. The offense's true form will be seen when Allen is back with his full complement of receivers.

Preseason Updates: Tight Ends

Dawson Knox opened the scoring against the Giants with an 11-yard touchdown reception. Dalton Kincaid added a 10-yard catch on limited snaps and should be the primary receiving tight end during the season. Rookie Jackson Hawes continues to earn praise for his blocking, while Zach Davidson missed opportunities to stand out in the game.

Preseason Updates: Defense

Joey Bosa made an encouraging preseason debut, playing 13 of the first 17 snaps and showing power both as a pass rusher and run defender. Ed Oliver has been one of the team's most consistent players throughout camp, frequently collapsing the pocket. Tre'Davious White's outing was more uneven, with short completions allowed and tackling issues, but his overall camp has been strong following two injury-shortened seasons. Rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders continued his steady ascent, showing he can win one-on-one pass rush reps and hold up against double teams. Rookie Jordan Hancock impressed in his first game at safety with strong anticipation and positioning, and Joe Andreessen logged more than half the defensive snaps at middle linebacker as Terrel Bernard recovers from a hamstring injury.

Preseason Updates: Returners

Undrafted Brandon Codrington was a surprise contributor in 2024, making the roster as the primary returner. His performance likely secures him the job again in 2025.

Updates from Week 1

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

With minimal changes on offense, Josh Allen will look to build on his MVP-winning season and lead the Bills to a championship. The team is featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks this year, and this will be its final season in the current stadium. Allen has firmly established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league, and the only thing missing from his resume is a Super Bowl appearance. He did not participate in Friday’s public session and is expected to see limited preseason snaps for precaution. That opens more playing time for Mitch Trubisky and Mike White, who are competing for the No. 2 job. Trubisky has more experience and mobility but has struggled with decisiveness. White has generally looked more efficient from the pocket. Allen has been remarkably durable throughout his career, but the drop-off behind him would be steep if he were sidelined.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

The biggest storyline in the backfield remains James Cook’s contract situation. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Cook is reportedly seeking a contract worth around $15 million annually. He reported on time and initially seemed willing to prove his value, but his recent absence on Sunday may indicate a shift in negotiations. The Bills have extended several other pending free agents, which could complicate Cook’s path to a new deal. Despite a strong 2024 season, Cook was often replaced by Ty Johnson in passing situations. The team continues to lean on a committee approach, with Cook, Ray Davis, and Johnson all expected to reprise similar roles this season. Rookies Frank Gore Jr.. and Darrynton Evans are likely battling for practice squad consideration. Given the contract uncertainty, Davis is an important handcuff. Reggie Gilliam also returns as the team’s fullback.

Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers

Wide receiver is the most changed position group on the offense. Amari Cooper remains unsigned after a disappointing finish in Buffalo last year, and Mack Hollins signed with New England. The team signed Joshua Palmer in free agency to fill an outside role thanks to his ability to separate against man coverage, though he’s currently dealing with a groin injury. Elijah Moore also arrived from Cleveland and joins Curtis Samuel as another versatile inside-outside option. Khalil Shakir returns as the top slot receiver and remains a reliable target for Allen, but he exited Friday’s session with a high ankle sprain and is considered week-to-week. His absence opens up more opportunities for Palmer, Elijah Moore, and Keon Coleman to work with the first team. Coleman has drawn attention for his contested-catch ability downfield, including a grab over Christian Benford, but he has also been inconsistent and struggled with drops.

Preseason Updates: Tight Ends

Dalton Kincaid fell short of lofty 2024 expectations, in part due to injuries and a timeshare with Dawson Knox. Even so, the team still views him as a key piece with untapped upside. Knox remains a dependable two-way tight end, but if healthy, he could continue to limit Kincaid’s snap share. Rookie Jackson Hawes has emerged as the likely No. 3 tight end, drawing praise for his blocking ability.

Preseason Updates: Kickers

Tyler Bass was dealing with some pelvic area soreness, so backup running back Ray Davis handled the field goal duties in practice. He said his career-long field goal from high school was 57 yards. If your scoring system allows position players to get scoring for kicking stats, Davis could get some bonus value in an emergency situation. There’s no reason to worry about Bass unless the Bills sign another kicker.

Preseason Updates: Defense

The Bills have retooled the defensive line following Von Miller’s departure. Joey Bosa signed a one-year deal to revive his career after several injury-shortened seasons in Los Angeles and is expected to anchor the edge rush. First-round pick T.J. Sanders was added via a trade-up and should make an early impact in passing situations. Free agent additions Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi will miss the first six games due to suspensions. A healthy Matt Milano could be a game-changer at linebacker, while Terrell Bernard signed a four-year extension and is locked in as the starter in the middle. In the secondary, Tre'Davious White has looked rejuvenated after a year off and is working with the first team. Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston was expected to push for a starting role but is now week-to-week with an LCL sprain. Second-year safety Cole Bishop has looked more comfortable and could be a breakout candidate.

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