Buffalo Bills' defense, led by Matt Milano & Taylor Rapp, dominates the first padded practice of 2024 camp, but growing offensive injuries raise concerns.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The satisfying crack of pads finally echoed across Pittsford on Tuesday, signaling the true start of Buffalo Bills training camp. While the intensity ramped up, a familiar and concerning narrative emerged: the defense looked dominant, led by a ferocious Matt Milano, but the offense's injury list grew longer, leaving fans to wonder when their key playmakers will return.
After Defensive Coordinator Bobby Babich noted a lack of turnovers, safety Taylor Rapp responded with three interceptions in a single practice—a massive statement from the veteran.
If there were any questions about the defense's readiness, they were answered emphatically. All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano looked like he hadn't missed a beat, flying to the ball and blowing up a screen pass to KJ Hamler for a tackle for loss that drew praise from Coach McDermott. Not to be outdone, cornerback Christian Benford continued his strong camp, looking sharp in coverage. This follows a standout performance from a few days prior by safety Taylor Rapp, who single-handedly boosted the team's takeaway numbers with a stunning three-interception day. Under new DC Bobby Babich, the defense is playing fast, physical, and opportunistic.
While the defense celebrated, the offensive sideline felt more like a M.A.S.H. unit. The biggest concern remains the tight end room, with both Dawson Knox (non-football injury list) and Dalton Kincaid (undisclosed) dealing with ongoing issues. Their timelines remain murky, a worrying development for Josh Allen's arsenal. The list grew on Tuesday, as Laviska Shenault Jr. sat out with a lower leg strain and Tyrell Shavers was carted off with a low ankle sprain, though reports indicate he is 'doing fine.' In a sliver of good news, Joey Bosa confirmed his previous calf injury is no longer a concern, but the overall health of the offense is the number one storyline to watch.
With injuries come opportunities and roster adjustments. The Bills have been active, signing tight end Matt Sokol and wide receiver David White Jr. to bolster depth, while releasing punter Jake Camarda and receiver Kelly Akharaiyi. The absences of Knox and Kincaid have opened the door for players like Zach Davidson to make an impact. Meanwhile, key linemen Spencer Brown and Sedrick Van Pran-Granger remain on the PUP list, testing the team's depth upfront. These early camp battles, fueled by injuries and transactions, are already shaping the final 53-man roster.
As the team barrels towards the 'Return of the Blue & Red' practice at Highmark Stadium on August 1st, all eyes will be on the injury report. Can the Bills get their star tight ends back on the field? Will the defense continue its early dominance? The first week of camp has provided plenty of excitement and a dose of anxiety, setting the stage for a crucial period of evaluation before the preseason begins.
