Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins will be honored with the Key to the City of Buffalo on Friday, November 14. Mayor Christopher Scanlon is set to present the award at 5:30 p.m., acknowledging Dawkins’ community involvement, particularly his work with children and families.
Dawkins leads Dion’s Dreamers, a nonprofit organization focused on youth development, social equity, and empowerment through mentorship and charity initiatives. He also collaborates with other local nonprofits to support underserved communities.
“I was shocked,” Dawkins said about receiving the honor. “I know that I’m a part of the community, but stuff like this doesn’t happen … I’m just thankful. I’m thankful … This is cool. This is cool stuff. I’m thankful to be a Bill. I don’t think this will happen to any other team.”
Reflecting on his time in Buffalo, Dawkins noted how welcomed he felt from his first day with the team and city. He expressed appreciation for having spent his entire career so far with one franchise.
“I’m thankful and blessed, but I take that with the biggest respect because a lot of people don’t have the opportunity to say that they’ve been in one place their whole career,” Dawkins said. “And I’m far from done. I’m in year nine, still playing some of the best ball that I’ve put on film and have done yet. So, I’m just thankful to be here.”
When asked about plans for the Key to the City, Dawkins kept details private but hinted at using it in a way that would bring humor and joy.
In preparation for their Week 11 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, several injury updates were provided: tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) and defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis (shoulder) did not practice Thursday; defensive back Cam Lewis (calf) and wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle/ribs) were limited.
The Bills are currently undefeated at home against NFC teams since 2023 and hold strong rankings across several offensive categories this season—leading in average rushing yards per game (153.2), ranking second in total yards per game (384.4), James Cook’s rushing yards per game (102.2), Josh Allen’s offensive touchdowns (22), passing yards per attempt (8.2), points per game (27.6), as well as red zone efficiency at 65.6%. Defensively, they are third in passing yards allowed per game (170.2), tied for third in fewest passing touchdowns allowed (9), and eleventh in points allowed per game (21.9).
Several milestones are within reach: head coach Sean McDermott needs one more win for his 100th career victory including playoffs; quarterback Josh Allen could become only the fifth starting quarterback with 90 wins within eight seasons; running back James Cook is 80 rushing yards away from reaching 1,000 for the season faster than any Bill since O.J. Simpson did so in seven games during 1975; another rushing touchdown would tie Buffalo’s record through ten games at seventeen.
Bleacher Report has identified wide receiver Joshua Palmer as a potential breakout player for Buffalo during the second half of this season after returning from an ankle injury suffered earlier this year.
“Buffalo Bills wideout Joshua Palmer, who joined the team this offseason after four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, has been out since suffering an ankle injury in Week 6. However, he returned to practice on a limited basis last week.
The 26-year-old has the potential to be the field-stretching receiver the Bills have missed for most of the season. He leads the team with a 16.7 yards-per-catch average and should become a focal point once healthy, as Joe Brady looks to diversify the passing attack.” — Kristopher Knox
This week also saw roster moves as Buffalo signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. and defensive end Morgan Fox to their practice squad while placing rookie defensive end Landon Jackson on injured reserve due to a knee injury.
