Biggest Storylines From Buffalo Bills Training Camp
The Buffalo Bills are wrapping up their first full week of training camp at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, N.Y. The team finally strapped on the pads last week and returned to Highmark Stadium on Friday for the "Return of the Blue & Red" scrimmage.
Major Storylines Of Buffalo Bills Training Camp
Running Back Room
The Bills have been looking for a consistent run game outside of Josh Allen for several years. Bills General Manager Brandon Beane has completely reworked the running back room from last year outside of James Cook. After a promising rookie campaign, Cook is expected to have a much more significant role in the offense. Out from last year's opening roster are Devin Singletary and Zack Moss. Singletary departed to Houston in free agency, and the latter was traded for Nyheim Hines in the season.
Hines had an underwhelming first year in Buffalo following the trade deadline outside of the game versus the Patriots, where he had two kickoff return touchdowns. Any hopes of an increased role for Hines in the offense this year were put to rest Monday. Hines suffered an ACL injury in a jetski accident and was placed on injured reserve.
Even with Hines's loss, the Bills should still be fine in the backfield. Damien Harris and Latavius Murray both signed as free agents in the offseason. Both backs combined for 30 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons. Having a power back in the red zone and short yardage situations is something the Bills' offense severely lacked last season. The Bills also added Darrynton Evans, a former third-round pick from Appalachian State.
PUP List
The long-awaited question of whether or not Von Miller would be placed on the PUP list was finally put to rest. The Bills announced that Miller, Jordan Phillips, and Tyler Matekevich were placed on the physically unable to perform list. Now what does that mean for Miller and the other two players? While on the PUP list, players cannot practice but can attend meetings and use team facilities.
They also count against the 90-mann roster but not the active 53-man roster. However, Miller, Phillip,s or Matekevich can be activated at any time.
With Miller on PUP, his status for week 1 is most likely doubtful, but that is a position the team does have some depth at. Greg Rousseau and Leonard Floyd should be a solid pass-rushing duo, with AJ Epenesa coming off the bench until Miller's return.
At defensive tackle, the team added Poona Ford and extended Ed Oliver in the offseason, with Phillips on the PUP list that should give more opportunity for Tim Settle to make an impact. Phillips had a hard time staying healthy last season, and if the injuries linger, his place on the 53-man roster may not be guaranteed.
Offensive Firepower
Stefon Diggs has been the Bills' unquestioned number-one offense in the passing game since his arrival in Buffalo. The numbers speak for themselves, as Diggs has hauled 338 passes for 4,189 yards and 29 touchdowns in 49 games in Buffalo. The Bills have gotten mixed production from various guys outside of Diggs.
Towards the end of the season, it became apparent that the Bills lacked enough viable receiving options as they turned to John Brown and Cole Beasley for help in the receiver room. Gabriel Davis is entering his contract year and should have a lot less attention now that the Bills have a legitimate slot weapon in the form of Kincaid.
Kincaid is known for excellent separation ability and elite hands, and if he can develop a quick connection with quarterback Josh Allen, that can help take the offense to new heights. Deonte Harty is another intriguing option with game-changing speed that can take advantage of Allen's elite arm.
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