The top three things that stood out about practice and media availability with the Buffalo Bills on Day 10 of training camp.
Jim Leonhard on what Buffalo's defense must do to succeed
The Bills coaching staff has yet to publicly announce how much the starters will play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Panthers, but that isn't stopping defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard from anticipating a physical performance from his unit.
"As far as I'm concerned, guys are going to go play — to be determined a little bit on how much," Leonhard said Tuesday morning. "But it's going to be exciting for guys to get out there and just kind of let it rip."
As the Bills make their way through the third week of camp, the staff can sense players are ready to "have another jersey" in front of them to compete against. While the game planning and defensive scheme may be "straightforward", according to Leonhard, there's still plenty to evaluate in a live game setting.
Leonhard and the rest of the defensive staff will have their eyes trained on how Buffalo's defense can "execute and finish" plays.
"It's the physicality up front. Let's go get that done. There's going to be mistakes that are made, but can we fly around, be physical, and it's the first opportunity to finish. Tackling, tackling, tackling," he said.
Leonhard described tackling and finishing as an "Achilles' heel" of last year's Bills defense when he went back and studied the film. Making sure those blemishes don't start to pop up in 2026 is at the top of the to-do list.
"It's the biggest one, in all reality. Schematically, you're getting guys in places to make plays. That's my job. But who can finish? Who can finish? Get guys on the ground," Leonhard shared. "It's the No. 1 thing we have to correct and the No. 1 way to do it is to get population to the football. Everybody knows that. The effort you play with and getting more than one guy to the ball."
Throughout the offseason, Leonhard has aimed to strike a balance between implementing his scheme, and the intricate details that come with it, with not overwhelming players so that they can play fast and free on the field. Training camp is the crash course side of that scale with information-heavy days followed by repping it out at practices and walk-throughs.
"You really see who can retain information and continue to push in training camp, knowing that in season it gets easier. It gets simpler, the game planning, the video. There's just so much more that goes into their process on game day. But right now it's kind of like the overload theory. You give it all to them and you see who can retain it," Leonhard explained.
As the calendar shifts to the preseason and soon the regular season, Buffalo's defense will hone in the finer details of the new scheme which includes how to best communicate with each other on the field in home games.
The DC described Saturday's Return of the Blue & Red was a "loud as hell" environment, despite it only being a team practice. Buffalo will have two home preseason games and an open practice on Aug. 18 to nail down the communication aspect in their new home.
"How we communicate at home is going to be huge. And the more adjustments, the more communication that we have, obviously, there's more chances for bad things to happen, unless we're completely dialed in," Leonhard said.
Practice Observations
Tuesday saw the Bills make their way to the outdoor practice field of the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
During team periods, the first drive of 11-on-11 ended with a DJ Moore touchdown catch from quarterback Josh Allen. Stepping up in the pocket to avoid pressure, Allen rolled out to his left and found Moore near the back left of the end zone in the scramble drill for a four-yard touchdown.
On the following drive for Allen, the gunslinger found tight end Dalton Kincaid cutting toward the back left pylon with space, arcing a ball over the defense and dropping it in the bucket for a touchdown.
The run game had great success on Tuesday as well, with RBs Ray Davis, Frank Gore Jr. and Ian Wheeler each having a carry that went for over 15 yards.
Davis bounced a handoff to the left side out wide, getting around the edge toward the sideline for a big chunk while backed up at the two-yard line. Gore Jr. had a trio of big gains on the ground, with his biggest coming with beautiful lead blocks from fullbacks Jackson Acker and Ben VanSumeren that sprung him up the left sideline.
Wheeler took the carry right before Gore Jr.'s to the house as well, finding space to show off his speed up the left side, beating all defenders to the outside.
Despite all of the offensive success, the play of the day came on the other end, with cornerback Dee Alford stealing the show on the final play of the last 11-on-11 drive for the ones.
While matched up with WR Keon Coleman, Alford shadowed the receiver before jumping the route and catching an interception in stride and going the other way.
"It was a got-to-have-it for the offense," Alford said. "No timeouts. So I'm thinking, as a defensive back, outside leverage; on any type of outbreaking route, I'm going to be aggressive."
Alford continues to have a strong camp with Buffalo; he also recorded an INT in Saturday's Blue & Red practice.
Kicker Tyler Bass also saw some action on Tuesday, attempting five field goals in an isolated period, along with one to cap off the final drive of 11-on-11 team drills. The 29-year-old kicker nailed all six attempts, with his shortest coming from 33 yards out, and his longest from 44.
Joshua Palmer's relationship with Josh Allen continues to grow
After suffering knee and ankle injuries that forced him to miss five regular season games and the playoffs in 2025, Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer is back healthy to start this season, looking to make up for lost time.
The veteran wideout's first season in Buffalo after signing a three-year deal in free agency didn't go according to plan, but Palmer has been turning heads throughout camp while grinding to earn a large role in the offense.
"I feel good. My body feels good. I'm well recovered. I'm flying around, so that's all I can ask for," Palmer said. "... I don't have to question any of my movements, I don't have to think before the route, I'm not stressed before I go on the field. I just go out and play."
Prior to the injury-riddled 2025, Palmer posted three seasons with over 580 receiving yards with the Los Angeles Chargers. At 27-years old, Palmer is at the prime of his abilities, hoping to prove that on the field this year.
Throughout the offseason, while rehabbing his injuries, the wide receiver's main focus has been growing his relationship with Allen and the rest of his teammates.
"The biggest thing is getting the confidence of [Allen] back," Palmer said. "I missed a lot of time. The confidence of my team is all I really care about."
Palmer had a pair of deep catches from Allen at Tuesday's practice, with the first coming up the right sideline after a great route to generate tons of separation for a walk-in touchdown. Later on, Palmer worked the right side again, flashing up the seam and watching a ball into his outstretched hands for a big chunk play.
"He's just been a lot better this year, both on the field and off the field," right tackle Spencer Brown said. "I look forward to seeing what he can do for us. You guys saw it there — he's absolute playmaker."
In the 12 games Palmer saw with the Bills last year, the wideout tallied 303 yards through the air on 22 catches. Getting some time in the offense will help to get re-acclimated, but Palmer knows nothing can compare to actually getting back on the field once the games count.
"I know we had a starting point last year, but I think it's a hard reset just because I missed so much time," Palmer said. "So now it's just getting that trust and that timing back, which I don't feel like we ever lost. But consistency, repetition and reps is something that is something that we need."
Scroll to see the best photos from Day 10 of the 2026 Buffalo Bills Training Camp at the Kaleida Health Performance Center in Orchard Park, NY. This gallery is presented by ADMAR.
Ray Davis (7). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Ray Davis (7). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Jimmy Ciarlo (35). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Tommy Akingbesote (71). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Alec Anderson (70). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Spencer Brown (79). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Trent Sherfield (81). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Trent Sherfield (81). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Toriano Pride Jr. (32). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Toriano Pride Jr. (32). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Zion Logue (93), T.J. Sanders (98). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
T.J. Sanders (98), Tommy Akingbesote (71). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
T.J. Sanders (98), Tommy Akingbesote (71). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17), Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17), Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Dee Alford (23). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Dee Alford (23). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17), Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Dee Alford (23). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Terrel Bernard (8). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Bradley Chubb (9). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Javon Solomon (56). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Javon Solomon (56). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Landon Jackson (94). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Landon Jackson (94). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Landon Jackson (94). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Deone Walker (96). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Phidarian Mathis (72). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Ray Davis (7). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Frank Gore Jr. (20). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Jackson Acker (40). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Bradley Chubb (9), Greg Rousseau (15). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Michael Hoecht (55). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Michael Hoecht (55). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Frank Gore Jr. (20). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Frank Gore Jr. (20). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Ian Wheeler (27). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Spencer Brown (79). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Phidarian Mathis (72). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Khalil Shakir (10), DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Spencer Brown (79), DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Spencer Brown (79), DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Frank Gore Jr. (20), Jimmy Ciarlo (35). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Frank Gore Jr. (20), Jimmy Ciarlo (35). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Ben VanSumeren (45), Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Jordan Hancock (37). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Jalon Kilgore (29), Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Kyle Allen (11). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Kyle Allen (11). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Frank Gore Jr. (20). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Ben VanSumeren (45). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17), DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Josh Allen (17), DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Tyler Bass (16). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Tyler Bass (16). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Trent Sherfield (81). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Trent Sherfield (81). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Tyler Bass (16). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Tyler Bass (16). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Nick Broeker (65). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Tyler Bass (16), Reid Ferguson (69). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Tommy Doman Jr. (39). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Greg Rousseau (15). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Bradley Chubb (9). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Bradley Chubb (9). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Bruno Fina (75), Chase Lundt (77). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Dee Alford (23). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Stephen Gosnell (89), Quentin Skinner (38). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
Bradley Chubb (9). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 11, 2026 at the Kaleida Health Performance Center.
