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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 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Bills closed out the preseason with a road win over Tampa Bay on Saturday. Fourth-stringer Shane Buechele was the only quarterback to see action, looking poised while completing 25 of 30 passes. Josh Allen did not take a single preseason snap for the first time in his career, which kept him healthy but could lead to some early rust. Mitchell Trubisky is expected to reclaim the backup role, while Mike White and Buechele are strong practice squad candidates.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Buffalo rested its top three backs in the preseason finale, so roles should remain the same as last year. James Cook will be the focal point, with Ty Johnson handling passing downs and Ray Davis mixing in as a change-of-pace option. Rookie Frank Gore Jr. capped off a strong preseason with another solid showing and is a likely practice squad priority if he doesn't make the 53-man roster.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
The top three receivers are set, though Khalil Shakir's Week 1 availability remains uncertain as he recovers from a high ankle sprain. Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer are expected to handle most of the outside work, and both carry some intriguing upside. Elijah Moore has been healthy in camp and should serve as Shakir's primary backup in the slot. Curtis Samuel remains on the roster bubble after missing nearly all of camp with a hamstring injury and sitting out the Tampa Bay game with an illness. Tyrell Shavers strengthened his case with a highlight-reel touchdown catch and may have secured a roster spot thanks to a strong preseason. That likely leaves Laviska Shenault Jr, KJ Hamler, and others on the outside looking in.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid remains the centerpiece of the group and should continue to grow in his third year, though Dawson Knox's presence will cap his ceiling. Rookie Jackson Hawes profiles as a blocking specialist who could help in the run game.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense has the potential to be among the league's better units if the pass rush develops. A healthy Joey Bosa will provide a boost at defensive end, while rookies T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker add depth inside. Safety remains a question mark until Cole Bishop proves himself, but the biggest concern is at the #2 cornerback spot. Rookie Maxwell Hairston (knee) may start the year on the PUP list, and Tre'Davious White suffered a leg injury last week that leaves his status in doubt.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Brandon Codrington is set to reprise his role as the Bills' full-time return specialist.
Updates from Week 3
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Head coach Sean McDermott may have seen enough from Josh Allen in Friday’s joint practice with the Chicago Bears to sit him for the remainder of the preseason. McDermott praised Allen’s ability to manage his own readiness, noting the value of controlled reps with a quick whistle and his top receivers. Allen threw an early interception in seven-on-sevens but settled in during team drills, completing 14 of 20 passes with two touchdowns in the red zone and a deep strike to Keon Coleman. His most frequent connections were with Joshua Palmer, Coleman, Elijah Moore, and Dalton Kincaid, while Tyrell Shavers also rotated in often with the first unit. That work may allow McDermott to protect Allen until Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. Behind him, Mitchell Trubisky has gained separation from Mike White for the backup role. Trubisky completed 10 of 14 passes at Halas Hall and followed up with a 7-of-13 line in Sunday’s game, moving the offense better than White, who managed just 4 of 11 with an interception and two sacks. The competition could close this week, as Trubisky appears firmly in control of the No. 2 job.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
James Cook ended his contract dispute by signing an extension through 2029, a deal worth $12 million annually that opens additional cap space in 2025 and signals his centrality to the offense despite questions about pass protection. Ray Davis drew the start against the Bears but found little running room behind a reserve line. Frank Gore Jr. continued to impress with 81 total yards in Chicago, averaging 6.4 yards per carry and catching four passes, though a late fumble was costly. His production has put him on the radar, even if the likeliest path is still the practice squad. Ty Johnson, expected to retain the third-down role, sat out the game with minor soreness but practiced in the joint session. Reggie Gilliam remains entrenched as the lone fullback.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Khalil Shakir is recovering from a high ankle sprain and remains a question for Week 1, opening more opportunities for Coleman, Palmer, and Moore to work with Allen. Coleman has been inconsistent but caught two touchdowns in Friday’s session, while Palmer, one of the few starters to play Sunday, had a forgettable night along with the offense. Moore has been one of camp’s steadiest performers, handling slot reps and also factoring into kick returns. Curtis Samuel, meanwhile, continues to frustrate the staff with recurring hamstring issues; McDermott stressed that “availability is important,” and Samuel has yet to take a padded team rep since July. With his $6.9 million base salary guaranteed but little special teams value, Samuel is sliding toward the bubble as Shavers and Laviska Shenault Jr push hard. Shavers built on a strong camp by contributing two catches, drawing a defensive pass interference penalty on third down and putting good special teams reps on tape, giving him momentum as roster decisions approach. Shenault has been a fixture across all four special teams units and added three offensive targets, giving him a path to stick as a utility piece. Journeymen Kristian Wilkerson and Kaden Prather are longer shots but have flashed depth value in recent practices.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox sat out on Sunday, but they are locked into the primary roles. Their absence gave Jackson Hawes and Zach Davidson extended work against Chicago, although neither stood out. Reports from Friday’s joint practice indicated Kincaid was heavily involved with Josh Allen and made several key catches, a reminder of how central he will be to the passing game once the starters are back on the field. Davidson remains on the roster bubble and will need more consistency and special teams impact to secure a spot, while Hawes is viewed as a developmental piece.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The unit held its own in Friday’s joint practice, with the front four disrupting plays and T.J. Sanders continuing to flash as an interior rusher, but the depth group was badly outplayed in Sunday’s 38-0 loss as Chicago controlled the line of scrimmage and piled up over 300 more yards than Buffalo. Safety Cole Bishop was the only starter to play and struggled before leaving early, while Damar Hamlin also gave up plays in coverage. Jordan Hancock continued his climb up the depth chart with eight tackles and work at both safety and nickel before a minor shoulder injury, reinforcing that he has moved past Darrick Forrest. Tre’Davious White’s uneven coverage remains a concern, leaving the team eager to get Maxwell Hairston back from a knee sprain, and Dorian Strong and Daniel Jackson are in line for bigger roles if White falters. Linebacker Matt Milano is regaining form, but depth behind him remains unsettled as Joe Andreessen and Edefuan Ulofoshio had uneven outings. Along the defensive line, Sanders and Deone Walker have pushed ahead of DeWayne Carter for backup roles, while Larry Ogunjobi could be a roster squeeze once his suspension ends.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Line
Dion Dawkins gave the team a scare when he left camp with a back injury, but the Pro Bowl left tackle returned in time for the second preseason game. Rookie fifth-rounder Sedrick Van Pran-Granger has been stuck on the PUP list, which opened the door for sixth-round pick Chase Lundt. Lundt shined against the Giants, logging 32 pass-protection reps without a pressure allowed. Spencer Brown continues to develop at right tackle, while Connor McGovern earned a Pro Bowl nod at center. Altogether, this unit ranks among the league’s elite, sitting in the preseason top three.
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.