The Buffalo Bills held their final practice before the upcoming Return of the Blue & Red scrimmage at Highmark Stadium. The session focused on adjustments in the defensive backfield, red zone drills, and development among new players.
Cornerback Maxwell Hairston, a first-round rookie, was absent after leaving Tuesday’s practice with a non-contact leg injury. While there has been no official team announcement about his status, NFL Network reported that Hairston did not suffer an ACL tear but is expected to miss some time. In his absence, other cornerbacks such as rookie Dorian Strong and veteran Dane Jackson are set to receive more reps.
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich addressed how the team plans to keep Hairston involved during recovery: “We certainly have walk throughs. We have things that he can do during practice, and those types of things when he’s available,” Babich said. “But it’s hard to simulate game speed. You can’t simulate the physicality of the NFL. So certainly, going to be an adjustment period there, but we’ll have a plan.”
Veteran Tre’Davious White has also seen increased action at the No. 2 corner spot since arriving at St John Fisher College for camp. Babich commented on White’s current form: “Tre’s on a mission right now,” Babich said.
White expressed confidence in his preparation and ability: “I feel like my work speaks for itself. The work that I put in, I put a lot of hard work into it. I worked extremely hard,” White said. “It’s not going to be a surprise to me or nobody that’s seen my work. And I pride myself on putting my best foot forward.”
Babich emphasized depth within the cornerback group as they adjust for Hairston’s absence: “I really love the competition in that room and the depth in that room,” Babich said. “There’s a lot of skins on the wall in that room, per se, and there’s a lot of youth that we’re excited about. I’ve said it before; we don’t flinch like the next man up.”
During Wednesday’s practice session, much attention was given to red zone situations during team periods. Tight end Dawson Knox participated for the first time this camp but did not take part in live plays; wide receiver Elijah Moore returned from recent leg soreness.
Other returning players included defensive tackle DeWayne Carter and receivers KJ Hamler and Tyrel Shavers, while safety Cole Bishop and Maxwell Hairston remained out due to injuries. Several veterans were given rest days.
Quarterback Josh Allen threw three touchdowns during early 7-on-7 red zone drills—connecting with Keon Coleman, Reggie Gilliam, and Zach Davidson—while safety Taylor Rapp broke up another potential touchdown pass intended for Davidson.
In full-team drills (11-on-11), Allen again found Coleman for an uncovered touchdown following defensive miscommunication; Ed Oliver recorded a sack; Ray Davis ran for a 15-yard score.
Wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson had notable moments with catches from quarterbacks Mike White and Allen during low red zone work; Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid also caught touchdowns from Allen while running backs James Cook and Ty Johnson each scored rushing touchdowns.
Second-round draft pick T.J. Sanders discussed his progress learning defensive schemes under coordinator Bobby Babich: “I feel like every day I’m growing. We are putting new things in every day. I’m just trying to get adjusted… just trying to take everything one step at a time,” stated Sanders.
Babich outlined expectations for Sanders’ continued improvement: “What we’re looking for in him is consistency, day in and day out… it’s just reading your key, use your technique… we’ve got to make sure there’s enough leeway for him to use his God-given ability…”
Sanders credited veteran Ed Oliver as an important mentor throughout camp: “I’m always in his (Ed’s) ear… He’s just been a great vet for me to lean on…”
At South Carolina University, Sanders played 39 games with 16 starts—recording over 100 tackles—and earned several honors including SEC Interior Defender of the Year in 2024.
Sanders described his approach as focused on steady improvement: “Just coming in every day, trying to get 1% better… coming in and just having something, a plan to get better and be detailed every day,” he said.
With Friday’s Return of Blue & Red event approaching at Highmark Stadium—the first opportunity for many rookies like Sanders to play there—the team continues preparations ahead of preseason competition.
