Training camp observations: Dalton Kincaid returns as other injuries mount for Buffalo Bills
It was another hot day at St. John Fisher University for the Buffalo Bills, and some players got extra reps as injuries mounted.
It was another hot day at St. John Fisher University for the Buffalo Bills, and some players got extra reps as injuries mounted.
Four new players missed Tuesday’s practice: offensive lineman Mike Edwards (heat-related from Monday), wide receiver K.J. Hamler (heat-related from Monday), offensive lineman Alec Anderson (knee) and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (illness).
Additionally, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi had a veteran’s rest day.
Anderson left Monday’s practice early, gesturing to his left knee as he walked to the medical tent. Edwards finished Monday’s practice, but after practice ended, he needed medical attention for the heat.
In all, the Bills started Tuesday’s practice without 12 players. And injury problems mounted throughout the day.
Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston had a noncontact injury during individual drills and did not return.
Safety Cole Bishop needed medical attention early in the day. He returned to the field, but did not participate in team drills. Safety Damar Hamlin filled in for Bishop on first-team reps.
Running back Ty Johnson was injured during 11-on-11 later in the day. Quarterback Josh Allen connected with wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who lateraled to Johnson. Johnson then bolted down the field and was near the sidelines when he took a big hit from linebacker Joe Andreessen.
Johnson was on the ground for a bit, with athletic trainers looking at his left leg. He was able to get up and test his leg before heading to the medical tent. Johnson returned to the sideline but did not participate again.
Here are other observations from Day 6 of camp.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid catches tennis balls during practice on July 24.
Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Kincaid returns
After missing one day of practice with knee soreness, tight end Dalton Kincaid was back on the field and participating.After Tuesday’s practice, he was in good spirits.
“It’s feeling good, yeah,” Kincaid said.
On Monday while he was sidelined, Kincaid had a sleeve on his left leg, the same leg that he injured last season.
“Just kind of being cautious with it,” Kincaid said of the injury. “You know, it’s still early in camp, and just managing how my body’s feeling – just being every aware of everything.”
Now back on the field, the third-year tight end is working toward the goals he set for himself for training camp.
“I think just gaining confidence again out there and just trusting everything,” Kincaid said. “And obviously getting rapport with Josh and communicating with all the guys.”
Receiver corps in flux
Wide receiver Elijah Moore was back on the field and in uniform after dealing with general leg soreness. However, after warming up with the team, Moore worked to the side with fellow injured wide receiver Tyrell Shavers (ankle).On a Sirius XM appearance after practice, Bills general manager Brandon Beane said Moore could be back as soon as Thursday or Friday. Beane added that wide receiver Curtis Samuel (hamstring) would not be back as quickly, but “sooner rather than later.”
Acknowledging that injuries are part of the game, offensive coordinator Joe Brady said he was looking to see more out of players who got bigger opportunities as they moved up the depth chart.
“Look, it’s as tough as it gets right now for wideouts,” Brady said ahead of Tuesday’s practice. “We’re down, it’s the reality of it. But for some of the guys, that if I told them before camp, `Hey, you’re gonna have to get twice as many reps as you normally would they be okay with it?’ They’d be like, `Heck yeah.’ And so I’m excited to see some of these guys kind of roll today.”
One of those players was undrafted wide receiver Stephen Gosnell, who had perhaps the play of the day, catching a deep pass from Allen in the end zone and spiking the ball in celebration. Cornerback Tre’Davious White was close in coverage and frustrated at the result.
Milano keeps up strong camp
On the defensive side, linebacker Matt Milano has continued to put on a show in Pittsford, particularly since the pads came on. Milano made an interception of Allen, who was looking for Kincaid, look easy.The defense in general looked to have the edge in a practice where the offense was put in high-pressure situations.
“We’re going out there and it’s going to be 30 straight snaps of third-and-7-plus and then two-minute,” Brady said before practice. “Like that’s as stressful as it gets for a quarterback, right, but that’s also why they get paid to be able to play in the pocket and make those decisions.”