Buffalo Bills training camp preview: Josh Allen leads new offense

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills will open training camp with veterans reporting Tuesday and the first practice Wednesday at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, N.Y. Here’s a closer look at some of the stories:

The biggest question: How will the new offense perform under Joe Brady in his first full year as offensive coordinator?

The trade of Stefon Diggs, who had more than 150 targets in four seasons with Buffalo, inevitably raises questions about who will be targeted next and how that will impact quarterback Josh Allen. Brady’s motto this offseason is “everybody eats,” with the idea that if you do what you’re supposed to do on the field, the ball will find its way to you.

Second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid is ready to do more, while running back James Cook will be tasked with continuing to improve his drop and fumble issues. All eyes will be on the 33rd overall pick, wide receiver Keon Coleman. Brady, who took over for Ken Dorsey after Week 10 last year, has made it clear that this is Allen’s offense and everything they do will revolve around him.

Training camp is a success if… Injuries can be minimized.

It will be crucial to shake off the injuries that have plagued the team in recent seasons, and even more recently during the offseason. Linebacker Matt Milano continues to work his way back from a season-ending leg injury, participating in individual drills during mandatory minicamp, but three members of the linebacker room missed minicamp with injuries. Several others, including receiver Khalil Shakir, have watched multiple practices from the sidelines, though general manager Brandon Beane said Shakir is expected to be free.

Linebacker injuries hurt the Bills late in the playoffs last season, and three defensive starters, including Milano, spent significant time on injured reserve. This year’s roster is expected to be younger than in recent years, and it’s important to have as many players available for camp as the team develops. Of course, starting the season in the best possible shape doesn’t hurt, either.

The most compelling positional battle: Security.

The receiver position will be one to watch in camp, but the other big transition for Buffalo is the notable absence of starters at safety. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde previously held the title of the active safety duo with the most games started together (92) after playing in the Bills’ defensive backfield for the last seven years. Poyer is now with the Miami Dolphins, and Hyde, 33, is wondering if he will officially retire.

The biggest question in the battle is whether second-round pick Cole Bishop can perform well enough to earn a starting role. Free agent Mike Edwards has been dealing with a shoulder injury for much of the offseason but has managed to return to individual drills. Taylor Rapp was re-signed this summer and is favored to earn a starting role. Cam Lewis, also a backup cornerback, could be an unexpected choice to compete for that job. Will Damar Hamlin earn a roster spot again? This group will be something to watch throughout camp.

Player with the most to prove: The defensive ends.

The entire position group has something to prove this season. That starts with Greg Rousseau, whose fifth-year option was picked up in May. Rousseau had a career-high eight sacks in 2022 and has played well in 2023, but he still needs to show he can put up big numbers consistently and try to earn a long-term contract. 2020 second-round pick AJ Epenesa was re-signed this summer, but the focus is on getting him more consistent going forward. “Bringing him back is a chance for him to continue to grow,” coach Sean McDermott said.

The other big question at the position is how the 35-year-old Von Miller will perform after a 2023 season spent recovering from a severe right ACL injury suffered on Thanksgiving in 2022. He finished the 2023 season with zero sacks and a 15.2% rushing percentage in 12 games. Outside of the starters, there is competition for the final spots on the defensive line.