Read the latest news and notes from the Buffalo Bills as they get ready to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Week 11.
Dion Dawkins receiving Key to the City on Friday
On Nov. 14, offensive lineman Dion Dawkins is receiving a Key to the City of Buffalo. Mayor Christopher Scanlon will present the key to Dawkins on Friday at 5:30 p.m., recognizing his community efforts to children and families.
Through his nonprofit organization, Dion’s Dreamers, he aims to support youth development, social equity and empowerment using mentorship and charity. He also partners with other local nonprofits to raise awareness and support for underserved communities.
"I was shocked," Dawkins said in regards to finding out about the honor. "I know that I'm a part of the community, but stuff like this doesn't happen … I'm just thankful. I'm thankful … This is cool. This is cool stuff. I'm thankful to be a Bill. I don't think this will happen to any other team."
On Thursday, Dawkins talked about how Buffalo accepted him from day one and that he knew it would be his home. No matter who he is on the field – whether he's a lineman, wide receiver, quarterback or running back – the team and city treat him just the same. On top of the acceptance, Dawkins expressed his gratitude for the ability to play for one team since starting his career.
"I'm thankful and blessed, but I take that with the biggest respect because a lot of people don't have the opportunity to say that they've been in one place their whole career," Dawkins said. "And I'm far from done. I'm in year nine, still playing some of the best ball that I've put on film and have done yet. So, I'm just thankful to be here."
As for what he plans to do with the Key to the City, Dawkins kept things hush, but something humorous to bring light and laughter into people's lives can be expected.
Thursday Injury report
TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) and DT Phidarian Mathis (shoulder) did not practice on Thursday. DB Cam Lewis (calf) and WR Khalil Shakir (ankle/ribs) were limited.
WR Mecole Hardman Jr. gets a handshake with QB1
Week 11 Jersey Reveal: Throwback week!
Stats to know for Week 11
- Bills QB Josh Allen (63) and Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (60) are 2 of 3 QBs with at least 60+ offensive touchdowns since 2024
- The Bills are 6-0 at home against NFC teams since 2023
- Bills offense
- 1st - avg 153.2 rushing yards per game
- 2nd - avg 384.4 total yards per game
- 2nd - James Cook avg 102.2 rushing yards per game
- 2nd - Josh Allen 22 offensive touchdowns
- 4th - avg 8.2 passing yards per attempt
- 6th - avg 27.6 points per game
- 7th - 65.6% red zone efficiency
- Bills defense
- 3rd - allow 170.2 passing yards per game
- T-3rd - 9 passing touchdowns allowed
- 11th - allow 21.9 points per game
Milestones to monitor
- With 1 win, Bills head coach Sean McDermott reaches 100 career wins (including playoffs)
- With 1 win, Josh Allen becomes the 5th starting quarterback with 90 wins (including playoffs) in first 8 seasons
- With 80 rushing yards, James Cook reaches 1,000 rushing yards on the season and does it in the fewest games as a Bill since 1975 (OJ Simpson - 7)
- With 1 rushing touchdown, the Bills tie their most rushing touchdowns through 10 games of a season at 17
WR Joshua Palmer predicted as a breakout player
Bleacher Report predicted every team's breakout player for the second half of the season. They believe WR Joshua Palmer will be Buffalo's breakout player. Here's why:
Buffalo Bills: WR Joshua Palmer
Buffalo Bills wideout Joshua Palmer, who joined the team this offseason after four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, has been out since suffering an ankle injury in Week 6. However, he returned to practice on a limited basis last week.
The 26-year-old has the potential to be the field-stretching receiver the Bills have missed for most of the season. He leads the team with a 16.7 yards-per-catch average and should become a focal point once healthy, as Joe Brady looks to diversify the passing attack.-- Kristopher Knox
Debate of the Week: Have you lied about your birthday to get a free dessert?
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Buffalo signs a WR and DE to the practice squad
The Bills signed WR Mecole Hardman Jr. and DE Morgan Fox to their practice squad this week. They placed rookie DE Landon Jackson (knee) on Injured Reserve.
First snowfall of the season
