The Bills were back at Orchard Park for practice on Tuesday morning. Buffalo has two practices in OP this week before heading to Chicago for their joint practice against the Bears on Friday and preseason game on Sunday.
Here's three things to know about the 13th practice of camp.
1 — Josh Allen on James Cook's return & Wyoming Hall of Fame honor
After missing four practices during training camp and Saturday's preseason game, running back James Cook returned to practice Tuesday. Quarterback Josh Allen was happy to see his teammate back on the field and participating in both individual and team drills.
"We're very happy to have Jimbo out there today, and I trust in what he's going to get done. We're just very happy that he's out there with us," Allen said.
Having Cook back on the field is a plus for Allen in getting the Bills offense where it needs to be come the regular season.
"Just to have him out there and getting those reps and making sure that he's getting ready to go for game one. We had no doubts that he wouldn't be ready, but to be out there with the guys and sweating and battling practice, I think that's good for the team," Allen added.
The 2024 NFL MVP has been pouring into the team, but now a community that helped him so much is honoring him.
Allen learned in February that he would be inducted into The University of Wyoming Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame – Class of 2025. The former Cowboy led the charge for Wyoming from 2015-2017. He led the team to two consecutive eight-win seasons, a berth in the Mountain West Championship game in 2016 and two bowl games.
For Allen, being honored by his alma mater means the world to him.
"It's very cool to be remembered there. Coach (Craig) Bohl and University of Wyoming. I obviously wouldn't be here without them. It's very cool to be honored by something so close and near to my heart. It's a pretty cool achievement," Allen said.
This honor wouldn't have been possible without his former head coach Craig Bohl taking a chance on the young Allen — even when he had no collegiate offers. Bohl stopped by One Bills Drive Tuesday to say hello to the Wyoming legend.
"My instincts said that there was greatness to him and that it would take a little bit to develop — and it certainly did," Bohl recalled of their time together.
The 32nd annual induction ceremony will take place at Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center on the campus of The University of Wyoming on Sept. 5.
2 — Keon Coleman's day + defensive line consistency
The practice field felt steamy on Tuesday morning as temps reached the upper 80s. Even with a hot practice, multiple players had productive days. Wide receiver Keon Coleman was one of the players who stuck out amidst the heat.
Coleman and quarterback Josh Allen connected on several plays during team periods. The best play happened as practice was wrapping up. Allen targeted Coleman near the end zone, Coleman was blanketed by a cornerback but wouldn't let that stop him from making a play on the ball. Allen fit it into a tight window, Coleman dropped his hands to his waist and spun open away from the defender to make the catch as he stepped in to score.
Allen also found Coleman the play before as the WR was tightly covered but managed to make a nice grab near the sideline. The chemistry between the two has definitely grown this offseason. Coleman has also consistently shown throughout training camp that the added muscle mass is benefitting him on the field.
Allen linked up with new wide receiver Joshua Palmer on a couple plays, too. One that stood out was when Allen found Palmer down the field for about a 30-yard gain. Allen did a good job of placing the ball, so Palmer didn't have to slow down his stride as he made the catch and ran up the field for a few extra yards.
With running back James Cook back at practice, the RB was used multiple times throughout team periods. On a couple occasions, Cook did a nice job of waiting patiently for a hole to open and shooting through the gap for a good gain.
While the offense had some highlights, the defense also had their fair share of noteworthy plays. The defensive line put pressure on the quarterbacks on several occasions. Defensive end Greg Rousseau and defensive tackle Ed Oliver combined for a couple sacks. Defensive end Joey Bosa, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, defensive tackle Zion Logue and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones all pressured the QB on different plays. In terms of taking the ball away, linebacker Dorian Williams had a fumble recovery on one play and cornerback Christian Benford forced a fumble on another play.
3 — Mindsets ahead of upcoming joint practice with the Chicago Bears
The Bills will face the Chicago Bears this Sunday in their second preseason game. Prior to Sunday night's contest, Buffalo is set to have a joint team practice Friday with the Bears.
Head coach Sean McDermott is looking forward to opportunity this gives his team to compete in a different environment.
"One of the things I think is really good about the joint practice experience is our young players, but same with anyone on our roster, you get a chance to get into an intense, highly competitive environment," McDermott said.
With quarterback Josh Allen's experience with joint practices over the years, he knows how valuable these practices can be.
"You get the opportunity to see new looks and go against different guys," Allen added.
While joint practices across the league can get chippy from time to time, Bills cornerback Cam Lewis said the Bills will approach Friday with the mindset of iron sharpens iron.
"We're trying to do a good job and try to just get what we're there for. To work and to compete," Lewis said.
Added McDermott, "Our goal, when we practice together with another team, is to make our team better through another environment.
