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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Bills rested all their starters in their preseason finale against the Panthers on Saturday, so we didn’t see much from Josh Allen. As one of the best quarterbacks in the league, however, the expectation is that he can elevate the offense around him following some key losses in the receiver room. Mitch Trubisky will handle the No. 2 quarterback job, but he’s dealing with a knee injury and may not be ready for Week 1. That could create a short-term opening for Ben DiNucci or force the team to add from elsewhere.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
James Cook remains the clear feature back and will look to build on a year that saw him collect over 1,500 yards from scrimmage. Rookie Ray Davis was also held out of the Panthers game, which suggests he has done enough to earn a regular role as the primary backup and change-of-pace back. Ty Johnson also figures to provide some experienced depth as the third option. The Bills will likely try to get undrafted rookie Frank Gore Jr. onto their practice squad after a huge game against Carolina, where he ran for 101 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown. Darrynton Evans also showed well in the preseason but left the game early with a hamstring injury.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
At receiver, the Bills feel good about their top four options this year, but we may need to wait for the regular season to learn more about how the pieces all fit together. Keon Coleman will likely fill in for Gabe Davis outside, but Mack Hollins can also contribute if the rookie isn’t ready for a full-time role. Khalil Shakir figures to be a primary target while working out of the slot, but he can also play outside and remain interchangeable with Curtis Samuel. Samuel has been sitting out with a turf toe injury, but there are signs of optimism that he will be ready to play in the opener. Beyond them, Marquez Valdes-Scantling seems likely to provide some experienced depth and a deep threat once he returns from a neck injury, while Tyrell Shavers is expected to earn the last roster spot following a strong training camp.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox can likely be considered co-starters. Kincaid is the more explosive player and should be headed for a breakout season, but his upside may also be capped if Knox winds up splitting snaps with him in one-tight-end formations. Third-stringer Quinton Morris suffered a shoulder injury that might keep him out for Week 1, but it’s not expected to be a long-term problem. Zach Davidson showed well in training camp and is likely a priority signing for the practice squad.
Preseason Updates: Defense
There are several major question marks for the defense this year. They have solid depth at edge rusher but may not have enough high-end players unless Von Miller can return to form and A.J. Epenesa shows continued improvement. The linebacker spot remains a major concern following the injury to Matt Milano, which puts a lot of pressure on Dorian Williams. In the secondary, who will line up at free safety between Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, and Mike Edwards remains uncertain. All three players have missed time with injuries, so it could take a while for that position to stabilize.
Preseason Updates: Returners
It is looking more likely that wide receiver KJ Hamler will find himself on the wrong side of the roster bubble, while sixth-round rookie Daequan Hardy earns the spot as the top kickoff returner.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Bills decided not to start Josh Allen against the Steelers in their second preseason game. While he has reportedly looked great in training camp, some heavy rain just before kickoff helped convince the coaches it wasn’t worth the risk to put him in harm’s way. Mitch Trubisky got the start in his place and struggled with decision-making as he took several sacks and threw a bad interception despite playing with the first-string offense. He left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and was replaced by Ben DiNucci, who was signed earlier this week to replace the injured Shane Buechele. This offense could be in trouble if the remarkably durable Allen is forced to miss any time in 2024.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The running game got back on track with a solid team showing against the Steelers this week. James Cook got the start and saw seven touches on 15 snaps, although he didn’t do much with them. Ray Davis entered the game next and made a strong case to be this team’s primary backup. He bounced off tacklers, showed excellent vision, and carried the ball six straight times to open the second half, including a 19-yard gain into the red zone. Ty Johnson had a brief showing, while depth options like Darrynton Evans and Frank Gore Jr. finished out the game and both averaged more than five yards per carry. Cook is going to be the team’s feature back, but Davis will likely spell him at times each week.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
The passing game did not have a lot of success against the Steelers' defense, but the receiver group mostly remains unchanged at the top. Curtis Samuel sat out the game with a minor injury, which allowed Mack Hollins and Keon Coleman to start while Khalil Shakir worked out of the slot. These are the four receivers we should expect to handle most of the playing time once the regular season begins. For the rest of the depth chart, there hasn’t been much positive news of late. Chase Claypool was waived last week with an injury settlement, and then Marquez Valdes-Scantling was carted off the field with a neck injury in the Steelers game. Tyrell Shavers has been one of the breakouts in camp but was mostly a no-show in both preseason games thus far. KJ Hamler and Justin Shorter have also failed to separate themselves from the pack, and the lack of quality depth could make this a position to watch after roster cuts around the league.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
This might be the strongest position group on the team as the Bills have a capable two-way starter in Dawson Knox plus an emerging receiving star in Dalton Kincaid. The team once again started the game in a 12 formation with both tight ends on the field, but it was Quinton Morris and Zach Davidson that wound up leading the way with 47 yards on three catches combined in the first half.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense looked dominant against the Steelers on Saturday and didn’t allow them to pick up a first down until their third drive of the game. Greg Rousseau stood out as he generated 2.5 sacks on just seven pass-rush snaps and appears headed for a breakout season. At linebacker, the team was dealt a huge blow this week when All-Pro Matt Milano tore his biceps and underwent surgery that will keep him out indefinitely. Last year’s third-round pick Dorian Williams figures to replace him in the lineup but remains a work in progress. Middle linebacker Terrel Bernard was kept out of the Steelers game as a precaution, which pushed Joe Andreesen into nearly a full-time role as he collected 12 tackles on 44 snaps. In the secondary, the top three free safety options all missed the game with an injury, but the Steelers could not take advantage.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
The only change from last season was cutting oft-injured center Mitch Morse and replacing him with left guard Connor McGovern. McGovern has played center with Dallas and back at Penn State, and he considers it his natural position. David Edwards, a part-time player last year, assumes McGovern's left guard spot. The starting tackle duo of left tackle Dion Dawkins (3x Pro Bowl) and right tackle Spencer Brown is rounding into their usual good pass protection form in the preseason. This group has an excellent starting five, but their depth could be better. The Bills rank 11th in the preseason rankings.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Bills kicked off their preseason at home against the Bears on Saturday afternoon. Josh Allen played the first quarter, completing two of three passes over just eight snaps before exiting in the middle of a drive. It was a quiet outing for Allen, and while he may see a bit more action in the remaining preseason games, the team is expected to be cautious with their star quarterback to ensure he's fully healthy for the regular season. Mitch Trubisky took over and played into the second half, moving the ball effectively but failing to get the offense into the end zone. Shane Buechele finished the game but threw a costly pick-six that contributed to a blowout win for the Bears.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The offensive line struggled to open running lanes against Chicago, resulting in a tough day for the running backs. As a team, they managed just 77 yards on 26 carries, with most of their gains coming from quarterback scrambles. James Cook had nowhere to run, finishing with just two yards on four carries, while rookie Ray Davis was similarly held to two yards on five carries. On the positive side, Davis showed promise as a pass-catcher, breaking tackles once he had room to run. Despite the struggles, Allen and others downplayed the issues, noting that there was no game-planning for their opponent. Ty Johnson sat out the game with an injury, creating opportunities for Darrynton Evans and Frank Gore Jr. to showcase their skills in the second half as they vie for a spot on the practice squad.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Khalil Shakir started the game outside in 12-personnel and served as the primary slot receiver, quickly exiting the game as further evidence of his critical role in the offense. Curtis Samuel also saw time with the starters in two-receiver formations, suggesting his role as one of the team’s primary targets is secure. Rookie Keon Coleman played every snap with Josh Allen, partly due to Mack Hollins' absence, as both compete for playing time at the X-receiver spot. Marquez Valdes-Scantling also saw plenty of snaps with the first-string offense and may be gaining momentum as the No. 5 receiver, while camp breakout Tyrell Shavers had a quiet game. Chase Claypool and Justin Shorter were sidelined with injuries, and depth options like K.J. Hamler and Andy Isabella didn’t stand out in their push for a roster spot.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The Bills opened in 12 personnel, which could become a staple of their offense as they work to get Dalton Kincaid on the field as much as possible. Dawson Knox and Kincaid combined for just one catch on two targets in the game, but their roles appear relatively set. Quinton Morris seems to have a firm grip on the 3rd-string job, playing all his snaps in the first half, while Zach Davidson didn't enter the game until the second half.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The starting defense had a mixed performance against the Bears, allowing some big chunk plays early but stiffening in the red zone to limit the Bears to two short field goals. Von Miller did not play, and the defense struggled to put pressure on rookie Caleb Williams in his NFL debut. However, rookie defensive end Javon Solomon has been a standout in camp and could contribute as a situational pass rusher. Matt Milano sat out as a precaution, allowing Dorian Williams to start in his place and lead the team in tackles. The safety position remains a concern with Mike Edwards and Cole Bishop both "week-to-week" with injuries, leaving the team with minimal depth behind starters Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin.
Preseason Updates: Returners
K.J. Hamler is listed as the top punt and kickoff returner on the opening depth chart, but he’s not guaranteed a roster spot. With Khalil Shakir, Andy Isabella, Keon Coleman, and Daequan Hardy also in the mix, there are plenty of options if Hamler doesn’t make the cut.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Bills will have a new look on offense this year following a revamp of the receiver room, along with a change at offensive coordinator. Josh Allen has proven capable of carrying this offense by himself and remains a popular choice as QB1 in fantasy leagues. Still, we will have to wait and see if there is any drop-off in production following the trade of his #1 receiver Stefon Diggs to Houston. Allen has had a strong start to training camp as he tries to build chemistry with his new receivers, though it’s unlikely he will play much in the preseason. Mitch Trubisky was brought back and should provide an upgrade at the backup quarterback spot to provide better insurance in case Allen were to miss any time. The team focused heavily on the running game once Joe Brady took over the play-calling duties mid-season, so it will also be interesting to see how the offense looks now that he’s had more time to implement his own system.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
James Cook emerged as a focal point down the stretch last year and seems poised to build on that momentum and post strong numbers across the board. While he has feature-back potential, he did struggle at times with drops and turnovers and may not be trusted fully in pass protection yet. Veteran Ty Johnson was brought back and figures to provide reliable depth, but rookie Ray Davis is likely the key player to watch in the preseason. He was a highly productive back in college who should be effective running between the tackles and could emerge as a complementary part of the offense and top backup. Unfortunately, Josh Allen tends to vulture many of the rushing touchdowns and that will likely limit the upside for Cook and the rest of the running backs here.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
The Bills replaced four of their top five receivers from a year ago, with Khalil Shakir the only returnee. He seems entrenched as the primary slot receiver but can also play outside in 2-WR sets and has become one of Allen’s most trusted targets early in training camp. Keon Coleman was the team’s top pick in the draft and should replace Gabe Davis as the starter outside. He has made plenty of big plays in practice and will provide an inviting red zone target due to his size and contested catch ability. Curtis Samuel was signed in free agency and will provide a versatile option who can play outside or inside and even take some snaps out of the backfield as a runner. Mack Hollins also figures to see regular playing time and provide additional depth outside. Beyond those players, Tyrell Shavers has had the strongest camp thus far as he tries to make the final roster, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling has struggled with drops, and Chase Claypool has missed time with a foot injury.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Many expect a breakout year from Dalton Kincaid as he becomes a focal point on offense, but it’s important to remember that Dawson Knox is still a key part of the team. Unless the Bills use more 2-TE formations than we have seen in the past, Kincaid’s snap share and fantasy upside may be limited. Quintin Morris returns as the likely candidate for the No. 3 job, but Zach Davidson has turned some heads in camp and could be a developmental option.
Preseason Updates: Defense
There has been some significant turnover on the defensive side of the ball as the team lost both starting safeties and a productive edge rusher in Leonard Floyd. Taylor Rapp is expected to replace Jordan Poyer at strong safety while the free safety spot vacated by Micah Hyde remains up for grabs. Free agent pickup Mike Edwards and rookie Cole Bishop were both injured early in camp, which has created an opening for Damar Hamlin. The starting cornerbacks all return, but former first-round pick Kaiir Elam has looked like a new player in camp and adds needed depth outside. At linebacker, the team is welcoming back All-Pro Matt Milano, who missed most of last season due to a gruesome injury, and there is improved depth behind him and last year’s breakout Terrel Bernard. The biggest story on the defensive line is likely the play of Von Miller, who was completely ineffective last year coming off a torn ACL but has looked more like himself in practice.
