Buffalo returns to Highmark Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 16 to face Tampa Bay. This will be the 14th time the Bills and Buccaneers meet in series history. Buffalo won 24-18 in 2023 when the teams last met in Orchard Park.
Both teams are coming off a Week 10 loss. The Bills fell to Miami 30-13 on Sunday while the Patriots beat Tampa Bay 28-23 at Raymond James Stadium. Heading into Sunday afternoon's contest, both the Bills and Bucs are looking to bounce back from a loss and improve their overall 6-3 records.
"I'm anxious to get us out here on the practice field and see how we do. It's really about our day to day and how we approach and attack today," head coach Sean McDermott said. "I'm looking forward to the energy. I'm looking forward to seeing us establish that collective mindset as we go into this week."
Injury updates from first practice of Week 11
McDermott gave an injury report on Wednesday.
After sustaining a hamstring injury against Miami, tight end Dalton Kincaid did not practice. Defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis also did not practice on Wednesday due to a shoulder injury.
Cornerback Christian Benford (groin), linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle), defensive end Joey Bosa (wrist), cornerback Taron Johnson (groin), cornerback Cam Lewis (calf), wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle/ribs), linebacker Shaq Thompson (hamstring) and linebacker Dorian Williams (groin) were limited.
Defensive end A.J. Epenesa (concussion), wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee/ankle), defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (wrist) and defensive tackle T.J. Sanders (knee) practiced in full, according to McDermott.
Battle of the 2018 quarterback draft class
Quarterbacks Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield were Top 7 draft picks in the 2018 NFL Draft. Mayfield was selected No. 1 overall and Allen was the seventh player taken off the board.
While Tampa Bay and Buffalo aren't too familiar with each other, this will be the third time the two quarterbacks meet in their careers as starters. Mayfield beat the Bills with the Browns in 2019, 19-16 in Cleveland. In 2023, the last time the Bills and Buccaneers met, Allen beat Tampa Bay at home.
"[Mayfield], overall, has always had a certain skill set. So, you're always having to prepare for that. No matter if it was back when he was in Cleveland or now in Tampa," McDermott said. "That skill set that he brings to the table is elite."
In their last head-to-head matchup, Allen threw for 324 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also had 41 yards and one score on the ground. Mayfield threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns.
Since 2024, Allen and Mayfield are two of three quarterbacks with 60 or more offensive touchdowns since 2024. Allen has 63 and the Buccaneers' quarterback has 60.
Off the field, Allen and Mayfield developed a friendship. From their time golfing in the summer, Allen and Mayfield spent enough time with one another to throw friendly jabs.
"I have to Walkie Talkie to him because he's so damn tall, so I can't really have a face-to-face conversation with him," Mayfield said. "In Buffalo, it's cold, it's rainy. Even though he's 6'10", his hands are small so he better wear his gloves."
Allen rebutted, saying Mayfield wears two gloves golfing. All jokes aside, the 2024 MVP shared his respect for Mayfield's mental toughness and ability to direct his journey on the field to success.
"I love the guy. He's awesome. To see kind of how his career has progressed and the adversity that he's fought through, playing some really, really dang good football right now," Allen said. "I'm a big fan of his. Anytime I get to watch games, I'm watching what he does, because he's very fun to watch."
That attitude Mayfield brings to the field is something McDermott said the Bills need to match. Finding their identity as a team, McDermott isn't worried about his group bouncing back, but is expecting Buffalo to bring a certain level of passion to the field.
"[Mayfield's] got it, yep, he's got it. And we've got to bring that. If you want to beat him, you got to you got bring that," McDermott said. "Want to be good at something? You got to bring a certain attitude and a certain passion and a certain commitment to the table. It's going to be a heck of a game Sunday."
Bills taking advantage of position flexibility
The "next man up" mentality the Bills take on was tested against Miami as defensive end Landon Jackson sustained an injury mid-game. On defense, especially, McDermott emphasized how important position flexibility is for Buffalo.
"That was one of the conversations we had going into last week's game of, 'Hey if we lose an end, who's going outside, who is going to kick out?' McDermott said. "And [DaQuan Jones] had to do it, of course. I appreciate that as well. And [Jones] didn't blink and went at it full speed."
McDermott also commended defensive end Javon Soloman for stepping up into a role in the absence of Epenesa and defensive end Michael Hoecht. During Sunday's game, Soloman substituted in for defensive tackle.
"That's the blood, sweat, and tears of the defense right there," McDermott said. "That's where it starts right there."
On the other side of the ball, having Palmer back is something McDermott is looking forward to. While it's not certain Palmer will play on Sunday, McDermott said that the wide receiver seems "on schedule and ready to go" whenever that time is.
On Monday when asked about Palmer's skillset, offensive coordinator Joe Brady said he'll be an asset to the pass game when he returns. In the meantime, the Bills found ways to fill his absence. As Kincaid's practice designation is unknown for the remainder of the week, having Palmer back can be helpful in uplifting the pass game and creating consistency.
"He adds a lot of juice to what we got going on," Allen said of Palmer. "Very crisp route runner, and any time we can get him involved in the offense, it's going to be a good thing for us. So, hopefully he progresses well this week and we can get him back out on the field."
Mecole Hardman Jr. has his first practice as a Buffalo Bill
The Bills signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. to the practice squad on Tuesday. McDermott said on Wednesday that Hardman's position flexibility as a receiver and returner is something he's excited for, especially his speed. However, he said that getting the wideout adjusted and taking things day-by-day is the focus.
Wednesday was Hardman's first time practicing with Allen. He said it's "a great thing" to play with and catch passes from a quarterback like Allen. Through the initial process of getting back on the field, though, Hardman is focused on learning the playbook and terminology with the Bills so that he's ready to get out on the field whenever his number is called.
"Trying to bring good energy, a positive mindset and try to just spark things up," Hardman said. "This team is great. You got a great quarterback, a great coaching staff. So, pretty sure things are going to get back right."
Helping him adjust to the Bills is running back James Cook. He and Cook played together at Georgia when the rusher was a freshman. Hardman said it's nice to be on a team with Cook again and to have a familiar face.
Scroll to see the best photos as the Buffalo Bills prepare for Week 11 of the NFL season at the Buffalo Bills Training Center. This gallery is presented by the University of Wyoming.
Sean McDermott. Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Sean McDermott. Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Jordan Hancock (37). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Christian Benford (47). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
. Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Tyrell Shavers (14). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Tre'Davious White (27), Dane Jackson (23). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Greg Rousseau (50), DaQuan Jones (92). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mitchell Trubisky (11). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Tre'Davious White (27). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Maxwell Hairston (31). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dion Dawkins (73), Nick Broeker (63). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dane Jackson (23). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Jordan Poyer (21). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Maxwell Hairston (31). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Tre'Davious White (27). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Gabe Davis (13). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ray Davis (22). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ray Davis (22). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Spencer Brown (79). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Taron Johnson (7). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Cole Bishop (24). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Jordan Poyer (21). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Gabe Davis (13). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Deone Walker (96). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Terrel Bernard (8). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Curtis Samuel (1). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Connor McGovern (66). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Shaq Thompson (45). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dorian Williams (42). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ray Davis (22). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Connor McGovern (66). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Tyrell Shavers (14). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Taron Johnson (7). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mecole Hardman Jr. (16). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer (5). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Mecole Hardman Jr. (16). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Tyrell Shavers (14). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Kendrick Green (53), David Edwards (76), Nick Broeker (63). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Chase Lundt (77), Travis Clayton (67). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
. Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
DaQuan Jones (92). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Maxwell Hairston (31). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Dane Jackson (23). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Brandon Codrington (29). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Week 11 Practice, November 12, 2025 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.
