The Buffalo Bills returned to practice in Orchard Park on Tuesday morning, preparing for two sessions at home before heading to Chicago for a joint practice with the Bears on Friday and a preseason game on Sunday.
Running back James Cook was back on the field after missing four practices and Saturday’s preseason game. Quarterback Josh Allen welcomed his return, saying, “We’re very happy to have Jimbo out there today, and I trust in what he’s going to get done. We’re just very happy that he’s out there with us.” Allen added, “Just to have him out there and getting those reps and making sure that he’s getting ready to go for game one. We had no doubts that he wouldn’t be ready, but to be out there with the guys and sweating and battling practice, I think that’s good for the team.”
Allen also spoke about being inducted into The University of Wyoming Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. He played at Wyoming from 2015-2017, leading the team to two straight eight-win seasons, a Mountain West Championship appearance in 2016, and two bowl games. Allen said, “It’s very cool to be remembered there. Coach (Craig) Bohl and University of Wyoming. I obviously wouldn’t be here without them. It’s very cool to be honored by something so close and near to my heart. It’s a pretty cool achievement.” His former coach Craig Bohl visited One Bills Drive on Tuesday. Bohl recalled their time together: “My instincts said that there was greatness to him and that it would take a little bit to develop — and it certainly did.” The induction ceremony is scheduled for September 5 at Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center at the University of Wyoming.
During Tuesday’s practice, wide receiver Keon Coleman stood out by making several catches from Allen during team periods. One highlight came as practice ended when Allen connected with Coleman near the end zone despite tight coverage. Coleman also made another notable catch near the sideline shortly before that play.
Allen found new wide receiver Joshua Palmer downfield for a significant gain during practice as well. With Cook participating again, he was involved in several plays where he showed patience before running through gaps in the defense.
The defense applied pressure throughout practice, with defensive end Greg Rousseau and defensive tackle Ed Oliver combining for sacks. Defensive end Joey Bosa, along with tackles Larry Ogunjobi, Zion Logue, and DaQuan Jones each pressured quarterbacks on different plays. Linebacker Dorian Williams recovered a fumble while cornerback Christian Benford forced another.
Looking ahead to Friday’s joint session with the Chicago Bears, head coach Sean McDermott commented on its value: “One of the things I think is really good about the joint practice experience is our young players, but same with anyone on our roster, you get a chance to get into an intense, highly competitive environment.” Allen added perspective from his own experience: “You get the opportunity to see new looks and go against different guys.”
Cornerback Cam Lewis discussed how the team will approach Friday’s session: “We’re trying to do a good job and try to just get what we’re there for. To work and to compete.” McDermott summed up their aim: “Our goal, when we practice together with another team, is to make our team better through another environment.”
