The Buffalo Bills gave Western New York its first real look at new Highmark Stadium on Tuesday, and more than 41,000 fans showed up to take it in. The open practice turned into a full-on preview day, with Josh Allen and the rest of the roster going through drills and workouts as the team builds toward Thursday afternoon’s joint practice with the Cleveland Browns and Saturday’s preseason game.
One of the biggest developments from the session was the return of two defensive backs. Cornerback Maxwell Hairston and safety Cole Bishop were back on the field after the Bills had been dealing with a long list of injuries heading into Week 2 of the preseason.
The absences were notable, too. Buffalo was without wide receivers Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and rookie Skyler Bell, defensive tackle Ed Oliver, running back Ty Johnson, center Connor McGovern, and safeties C.J.
Gardner-Johnson and Jalon Kilgore. Shakir and Oliver didn’t have injury designations, while Coleman was seen in a walking boot on his right foot, and Bell is dealing with a lower-body injury.
Tuesday’s session also offered a look at how new wide receiver Dane Pettis is trying to build his connection with Allen. For fans in attendance, it was a first trip inside the new stadium, and they got a chance to watch the team up close in its new home.
There was plenty more Bills talk surrounding the practice as well, including a closer look at Greg Gaines, Buffalo’s newest defensive tackle, and notes on how Damar Hamlin is keeping his focus on his craft while staying under the radar. Other items in the mix included the possibility of a big year for Khalil Shakir, why Tommy Doman is trending as Buffalo’s punter of the future, and more.
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