The Bills were on the field for their third training camp practice at St. John Fisher on Saturday. Buffalo will have its first off day of camp on Sunday.
Here's what we learned from today's Bills Camp:
C.J. Gardner-Johnson leaves practice with injury, two ILBs make return to team drills
Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson left midway through Saturday's practice with a non-contact injury and did not return. The veteran needed to be helped off the field by the Bills training staff and was taken back to the locker room. The severity of the injury is still unknown.
After Gardner-Johnson suffered the apparent injury, he stayed down on one knee on the practice field while awaiting the trainers. Left tackle Dion Dawkins was one of the first players to go over to the safety and check in on him as he was being looked at.
"C.J. is a teammate that I didn't know that I needed," Dawkins said. "I love the kid for real. And I walked up to him and I told him, 'You all right? Take care of yourself,'."
The injury occurred during one of the 11-on-11 periods; safeties Damar Hamlin and Geno Stone took turns taking reps in the spot vacated by Gardner-Johnson.
Inside linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams got reps in team drills for the first time in training camp. Both players have been getting eased back into the defensive rotation after battling injuries in the spring. Bernard also saw full speed snaps in 11-on-11, while Williams was limited to 7-on-7 drills.
Practice observations: Bills offense in rhythm
The Bills offense was humming Saturday during 11-on-11 periods.
Quarterback Josh Allen was sharp throughout the day, connecting with several of his pass catchers for big plays. Early on tight end Dawson Knox was targeted several times on quick throws from Allen, with Knox able to secure those passes from his QB each time.
Wide receiver D.J. Moore continued to develop his chemistry with Allen, oftentimes working the intermediate area of the field. On one play, Allen was flushed to his right and found Moore running left to right; the QB layered a throw on the run to Moore to pick up a first down. Later, the offense had the ball at the 20-yard line in the red zone where Allen hit Moore in stride over the middle and the receiver turned up field, evading two defenders near the sideline and running it in for a touchdown.
Near the end of practice, wide receiver Joshua Palmer got open working in coverage against Davison Igbinosun and Allen hit Palmer right in front of the end zone for the score.
Wide receiver Skyler Bell had an impressive day catching passes from all three Bills QBs during team drills. The rookie showed great concentration when he managed to still catch a pass from Josh Allen that was tipped at the line of scrimmage by defensive lineman Zion Logue.
A handful of rookies made their presence known on defense throughout the day. Fifth-round safety Jalon Kilgore had multiple pass breakups and intercepted quarterback Shane Buechele. Undrafted rookie Kani Walker also impressed with a pass breakup against wide receiver Trent Sherfield.
Outside linebacker TJ Parker won a rep against right tackle Spencer Brown but Allen got rid of the ball to running back Ty Johnson before the rookie could close in for a sack.
Pete Carmichael following Brady's vision while being an important set of eyes
During his pre-practice media availability, Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael highlighted Joe Brady's clarity of vision and message, repeatedly coming back to how defined Brady's picture is of what he wants this offense — and team — to be.
"When he got named the head coach. He presented a vision, and he knew exactly what kind of team he wanted, what kind of players he wanted to surround himself with," Carmichael said. "I think he's conveyed that message in team meetings to the people in the building. It's been pretty pretty fun to see."
Carmichael framed his own job as making sure that "whatever message he's giving is the same message that the players are hearing from us as coaches". That emphasis on alignment paints Brady as a head coach with a coherent philosophy that's being reinforced at every level of the staff.
One specific message Carmichael is reiterating to the team — and to himself — is that a successful offense like the Bills doesn't automatically transfer over one season to the next. There's plenty of work to be done to sustain that high level and even improve on it.
"Just because they've been good in the past doesn't mean it's handed to you," Carmichael shared. "There's a lot of guys in this building that have been a part of it. But again, it's just not something that's just like 'it's just going to happen'. It has to happen through work and preparation."
Josh Allen has given his running backs plenty of looks out of the backfield during camp with routes varying from option, to screen, to wheel, among others. Carmichael emphasized the importance of looking back at film from previous seasons to see how the Bills can improve on getting their running backs involved in the passing game.
"That's always a part of the game that you like to be able to be productive in, and I think some of that might be specific to who you're playing," he said.
Dee Alford ready to take on nickel role
With the Bills trading longtime nickel corner Taron Johnson to the Raiders this offseason, Buffalo filled that void by signing 28-year old veteran Dee Alford to a three-year contract in free agency. So far, Alford has taken first team reps at that nickel spot, putting himself in position to be named the starter once the season begins.
"I'm an awesome competitor. I'm a great teammate," Alford said. "I do whatever my team needs me to do — the nickel position or going outside and playing cornerback. But you can expect me to put my best foot forward, my best football is yet to come."
Alford is coming off a career-best three interceptions last season with the Falcons; he recorded 216 tackles in 64 games during four seasons in Atlanta. Now in Buffalo, he believes in the vision defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is bringing.
"It's been a great scheme," Alford shared. "Jim does a great job just bringing the calls to life. He put us in a situation where we can use our strengths. We're not one-dimensional, we're able to do different things, disguises."
Alford's teammate, cornerback Christian Benford, says the new corner has fit in seamlessly with the Bills defensive backs.
"I feel like I've known Dee for years," Benford said. "I've only been around for like a couple days with him, but I feel like I've known him for a couple years. We're always talking, cracking jokes."
Scroll to see the best photos from Day 3 of the 2026 Buffalo Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY. This gallery is presented by ADMAR.
Skyler Bell (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026, at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Deone Walker (96). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Michael Hoecht (55). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Michael Hoecht (55). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Shane Zylstra (48). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Bradley Chubb (9). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Skyler Bell (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Maxwell Hairston (31). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
T.J. Sanders (98). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Tommy Akingbesote (71). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Toriano Pride Jr. (32). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Theron Gaines (54). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), Shane Buechele (6), Kyle Allen (11). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Deone Walker (96). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Michael Hoecht (55). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Cade Denhoff (57). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady, Mecole Hardman Jr. (1). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
TJ Parker (99). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
TJ Parker (99). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Travis Clayton (67). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Javon Solomon (56). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Brandon Beane, Terry Pegula. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026, at St. John Fisher University.
Andre Jones Jr. (59). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Maxwell Hairston (31), Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Bradley Chubb (9), Dion Dawkins (73). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ray Davis (7), Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Landon Jackson (94). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10), Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ray Davis (7), Theron Gaines (54). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Shane Zylstra (48). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
James Cook III (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Tommy Doman Jr. (39). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Tommy Doman Jr. (39). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Maxwell Hairston (31). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Cole Bishop (24). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10), Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ty Johnson (26), Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Connor McGovern (66). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dawson Knox (88), Dee Alford (23). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), James Cook III (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
DJ Moore (2), Sam Franklin Jr. (28). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Connor McGovern (66), DJ Moore (2). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
DJ Moore (2), Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Toriano Pride Jr. (32), Stephen Gosnell (89). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Cole Bishop (24). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), Austin Corbett (63). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dorian Williams (42). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ray Davis (7). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Skyler Bell (13). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Javon Solomon (56). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Cade Denhoff (57). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Greg Rousseau (15), Travis Clayton (67), Kody Huisman (61), Tommy Akingbesote (71). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Sam Franklin Jr. (28). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
D.J. Miller (46). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Sam Franklin Jr. (28). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Sam Franklin Jr. (28). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr (52). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Andreessen (44). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (50). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Phidarian Mathis (72). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr (52). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Theron Gaines (54). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Zion Logue (93). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Travis Clayton (67). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Zion Logue (93). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Keleki Latu (83). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ben VanSumeren (45). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
TJ Parker (99). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Javon Solomon (56). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Greg Rousseau (15). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Mecole Hardman Jr. (1). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Mac Dalena (82). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Andre Jones Jr. (59). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Mike Danna (51). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Javon Solomon (56), Michael Hoecht (55). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Javon Solomon (56). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Michael Hoecht (55). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Deone Walker (96). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Andre Jones Jr. (59), Mike Danna (51). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Cole Bishop (24). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
T.J. Sanders (98). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Zane Durant (92), Landon Jackson (94). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Spencer Brown (79). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr (52), Dawson Knox (88), Maxwell Hairston (31), Dee Alford (23). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Connor McGovern (66). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Zion Logue (93). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ian Wheeler (27), Shane Buechele (6). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Tommy Doman Jr. (39). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Tylan Grable (68). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Maxwell Hairston (31). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joshua Palmer (5), Dee Alford (23). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17), James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Andreessen (44). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
DJ Moore (2), Wippert - First 30. Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Andreessen (44). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Jordan Hancock (37). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Austin Corbett (63), Keleki Latu (83). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Keleki Latu (83), Mac Dalena (82). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Deone Walker (96), Greg Rousseau (15), Terrel Bernard (8). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Jude Bowry (74). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ian Wheeler (27), Jimmy Ciarlo (35). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Alec Anderson (70). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Bradley Chubb (9), Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Joe Brady, Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Spencer Brown (79). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Ray Davis (7). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Mecole Hardman Jr. (1). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
Dalton Kincaid (86). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, August 01, 2026 at St. John Fisher University.
