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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Buffalo Bills 53-man roster, depth chart prediction heading into training camp
The Buffalo Bills are returning to St. John Fisher University this week, and they're bringing Hollywood with them. HBO's Hard Knocks is focusing on the Bills for the first time in the program's two-decades plus history, and that means its cameras will be embedded with the entire organization for the better part of five weeks, the first two of those in Pittsford. This is not something the Bills are thrilled about because they are a franchise that likes to keep things close to the vest, but they did not have a choice in the matter so they will grin and bear it and try to avoid some of the viral moments that have been captured in the past on the show. If there's anyone who can relate to Hollywood, it's quarterback Josh Allen who just got married to movie starlet Hailee Steinfeld. But Allen has already gone on record as saying that he will impress upon his teammates that Hard Knocks cannot become a distraction as they begin preparing to win a sixth consecutive AFC East division title. 'I think you just kind of keep doing what we're doing here,' Allen said. 'It's not allowing things to deter us from being who we are and doing what we do. And I think Hard Knocks, it is what it is, yeah. But we're gonna keep working hard and just make sure that our focus is on the main thing and that's trying to bring a Lombardi Trophy here.' Hard Knocks is known for its ability to draw out interesting personal storylines, and it's a good thing in this case because there really won't be much drama in terms of position battles and roster spots for the Bills. The team is mostly configured heading into camp, and the only issue will be figuring out a few of the backup roles. Here's my annual pre-training camp positional breakdown of the team as it enters the first leg of summer preparation including which 53 players I think will be on the Opening Day roster: Quarterback ∎ Starter: Josh Allen. ∎ Reserves: Mitchell Trubisky, Mike White, Shane Buechele. ∎ Sal's take: Allen is the reigning NFL MVP and he has entered the prime of his career as one of the biggest superstars in the league. He has been incredibly reliable, durable and productive and there are zero signs that will be changing anytime soon. There could be an interesting decision between Trubisky and White. If White has a good camp, the Bills could save around $1.5 million on the cap with him as opposed to Trubisky, and Buechele can stick as the practice squad QB. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Allen, White. Running back ∎ Starter: James Cook. ∎ Reserves: Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, Reggie Gilliam (FB), Darrynton Evans, Frank Gore. Jr. ∎ Sal's take: Obviously Cook - who has been tremendous the last two seasons - will be super motivated to have another big year because the likelihood is that the Bills will not give him a contract extension and he'll hit free agency in March. He's not happy about his financial situation after seeing several teammates get new deals, and he needs to use that as fuel to establish his market. Johnson and Davis provide excellent depth with divergent skill sets, and Gilliam will likely be back because he is the only fullback on the roster and also a core special teams player. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Cook, Johnson, Davis, Gilliam. Wide receiver ∎ Starters: Khali Shakir, Josh Palmer, Keon Coleman. ∎ Reserves: Curtis Samuel, Elijah Moore, Laviska Shenault Jr., Tyrell Shavers, Kaden Prather, Jalen Virgil, KJ Hamler, Christian Wilkerson, David White, Stephen Gosnell. ∎ Sal's take: The Bills don't have a superstar in the group, but they have a lot of useful pieces who bring their own intangibles to the 'everybody eats' philosophy. Coleman will be under the spotlight because he's coming off a lackluster rookie year and he needs to improve as a route runner. Palmer is being looked upon as a key target for Allen against man coverage, and Moore, a late spring addition, opened some eyes because he looks like a versatile player in the same mold as Shakir, players who can find soft spots in zone and provide run after catch yards. I have the Bills keeping Shenault, but only if he proves to be the best kickoff returner on the team. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Shakir, Palmer, Coleman, Moore, Samuel, Shenault. Tight end ∎ Starter: Dalton Kincaid. ∎ Reserves: Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes, Zach Davidson, Keleki Latu, Matt Sokol. ∎ Sal's take: The Bills are insistent that Kincaid was greatly impacted by injuries last season and that's why his production took such a decline from his promising rookie season. Duly noted, but this is still a big season for the 2023 first-round pick who needs to prove he'll be worthy of the fifth-year option next spring. Knox is a nice insurance policy, and Hawes looks promising as a blocker and perhaps the player the Bills can use when they go with their six-linemen jumbo package as opposed to Alec Anderson. Using Hawes in that role could expand the playbook a little because he could be used as a pass receiver. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Kincaid, Knox, Hawes. Interior offensive line ∎ Starters: Connor McGovern (C), David Edwards (LG), O'Cyrus Torrence (RG). ∎ Reserves: Alec Anderson (G), Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (G-C), Mike Edwards (G), Rush Reimer (G), Kendrick Green (G), Jacob Beyer (C). ∎ Sal's take: The Bills have been extremely fortunate on the offensive line as they've essentially had the same healthy five-man starting unit for two seasons. The threesome inside of McGovern, Edwards and Torrence has been solid and obviously they played a big role in Allen being sacked a league-low 14 times in 2024 while also helping the Bills rank ninth in rushing. But McGovern and Edwards are eligible for free agency in 2026 and if they aren't extended or brought back, the development of Anderson and Van Pran-Granger will be imperative this season. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: McGovern, Torrence, Edwards, Van Pran-Granger, Anderson. Offensive tackle ∎ Starters: Dion Dawkins (LT), Spencer Brown (RT). ∎ Reserves: Ryan Van Demark, Tylan Grable, Travis Clayton, Richard Gouraige, Chase Lundt. ∎ Sal's take: Dawkins and Brown form one of the best tackle tandems in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, the Bills' line allowed just 160 QB pressures on 673 pass plays last year and earned PFF's sixth-best pass-blocking efficiency rating and the tackle play was a key reason for that. And Dawkins and Brown are both road graders in the run game as they combine power and athleticism to move defenders out of the way. The depth is pretty young and unproven, but the Bills liked what they saw in Grable last year. The only real battle will be for the final spot between Van Demark and rookie sixth-round pick Lundt. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Dawkins, Brown, Grable, Lundt. Defensive tackle ∎ Starters: Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones. ∎ Reserves: Larry Ogunjobi, TJ Sanders, DeWayne Carter, Deone Walker, Zion Logue, Casey Rogers, Marcus Harris. ∎ Sal's take: For several years the Bills have received underwhelming play from their defensive line relative to the investment they've committed in both free agency and the draft. Oliver has been a good player, but he has never fulfilled the initial promise of being the No. 9 overall draft pick in 2019. Jones is aging out and his snap count needs to be reduced, and the Bills won't have Ogunjobi for six games due to his suspension, so second-year man Carter and rookies Sanders and Walker will have great chances to earn meaningful playing time. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Oliver, Jones, Sanders, Carter, Walker, (Ogunjobi suspended six games). Edge rusher ∎ Starters: Joey Bosa, Greg Rousseau. ∎ Reserves: AJ Epenesa, Michael Hoecht, Landon Jackson, Javon Solomon, Hayden Harris, Paris Shand. ∎ Sal's take: Signing Bosa to a one-year prove-it deal was a good idea in theory, especially with Von Miller being cast away. However, if Bosa can't stay healthy, it's a sunk cost and the Bills have had plenty of that on their D-line. They invested in Rousseau as a first-round pick and now with a contract extension, and he must reward the Bills' faith because while a good player since being taken No. 30 in 2021, he has rarely been a game-changer. Epenesa would be a player to watch in terms of a surprise cut or trade if Jackson and Solomon have great summers, but with Hoecht missing the first six games, Epenesa is probably safe. Whatever the final group is, it has to give the Bills are more dangerous pass rush than what we've seen the last few years. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Bosa, Rousseau, Epenesa, Jackson, Solomon (Hoecht suspended six games). Linebacker ∎ Starters: Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard ∎ Reserves: Dorian Williams, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Joe Andreessen, Baylon Spector, Shaq Thompson, Keonta Jenkins. ∎ Sal's take: Milano is now in the last year of his contract and while he's still a very good player when healthy, that's the issue - he's not always healthy. Williams has gotten a lot of valuable playing time in Milano's place and the Bills feel pretty good about him should the need arise for him to start. Bernard took a step back in 2024 after a breakout 2023 season, part of that due to injuries, but when he's healthy he's a key cog in the defense. Andreessen proved to be a reliable fill-in and special teams players as an undrafted rookie free agent, and Spector's spot on the roster is in jeopardy because he can't stay on the field. My guess is that he and Ulofoshio will compete for the fifth and final spot and special teams will be the determining factor. Thompson, a late spring signing with ties to McDermott from Carolina who was once a very good player, has to prove he has something left to offer and is probably a longshot unless there's a spate of injuries. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Milano, Bernard, Williams, Andreessen, Ulofoshio. Cornerback ∎ Starters: Christian Benford, Tre'Davious White, Taron Johnson (NCB). ∎ Reserves: Maxwell Hairston, Dane Jackson, Dorian Strong, JaMarcus Ingram, Cam Lewis (NCB), Brandon Codrington (NCB), Daequan Hardy, Te'Cory Couch (NCB), Daryl Porter. ∎ Sal's take: Benford has become one of the best boundary CBs in the NFL and the Bills rewarded him with a nice contract extension. On the other side, there will be an intriguing competition between old veteran White who is back with Buffalo, Jackson who is also back after a one-year hiatus, and the first-round rookie Hairston. My money is on White starting in Week 1, keeping the seat warm until Hairston is ready to go. The most interesting battle might be between Jackson, Strong and Ingram for perhaps one spot. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Benford, White, Hairston, T. Johnson, Strong, Lewis. Safety ∎ Starters: Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop. ∎ Reserves: Damar Hamlin, Jordan Hancock, Darrick Forrest, Wande Owens. ∎ Sal's take: Bishop's rookie growth was stunted by an injury but he was starting to come on at the end of the year and now he has to establish himself as a reliable starter and playmaker. Rapp is a solid veteran who will pair nicely with Bishop. Hancock is a rookie with diverse skills in that he can play either safety spot plus nickel corner. I think Forrest and Hamlin will both make the team, but if there's a crunch, I'd go with Forrest who has a better athlete than Hamlin. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Rapp, Bishop, Hamlin, Hancock, Forrest. Special teams ∎ Starters: Tyler Bass (K), Brad Robbins (P), Reid Ferguson (LS). ∎ Sal's take: The punter competition is done before camp begins as the Bills cut Jake Camarda, leaving Robbins as the lone man on the roster. The return game will be fascinating to watch and right now, I have Shenault making the team as the sixth WR because he might win the kickoff return job. Codrington did a nice job as the punt returner last season, but I don't have a spot in the secondary for him so the Bills have to figure out who can handle punts because Shenault has not done that in the past. ∎ Sal's picks for the 53: Bass, Camarda, Ferguson. Sal Maiorana has covered the Buffalo Bills for four decades including 35 years as the full-time beat writer for the D&C, he has written numerous books about the history of the team, and he is also co-host of the BLEAV in Bills podcast/YouTube show. He can be reached at maiorana@ and you can follow him on X @salmaiorana and on Bluesky @ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills 53-man roster prediction heading into training camp
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hard Knocks 2025: How to Watch the Buffalo Bills' Full Schedule of HBO's Hit NFL Series Worldwide
Inside the camp that could change it all (Image courtesy: HBO) This NFL preseason, football fans aren't just watching practice—they're watching a story unfold. HBO's Hard Knocks: Training Camp returns on August 5 at 9 p.m. EST, with the Buffalo Bills making their debut appearance on the acclaimed docuseries. As the cameras trail quarterback Josh Allen, head coach Sean McDermott, general manager Brandon Beane, and a hungry roster, the series promises a gritty, emotional look at a franchise with unfinished business—and a fanbase craving closure. Buffalo breaks its silence — and this time, the NFL is listening Despite years of playoff runs and one of the NFL's most passionate fanbases, the Bills have never been featured on Hard Knocks—until now. The 2025 season marks a turning point for a team often on the cusp but never quite over the line. This isn't just a documentary—it's a chance to reshape perception. From late-night film sessions to tense staff meetings, HBO Max takes viewers inside the Bills' blueprint for redemption. At the helm: McDermott, balancing grit with culture-building, and Beane, making bold calls in a make-or-break season. Josh Allen: Not just a star, but a story Quarterback Josh Allen is no stranger to the spotlight—but Hard Knocks reveals sides of him never seen before. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo As the emotional and strategic core of the team, Allen is tasked with more than just throwing touchdowns—he's expected to lead, inspire, and deliver. In a scene already turning heads, Allen says: "I want to be coached hard. I want to win." That quiet, intense moment says more than any game-day stat line. Allen isn't here to act for the cameras—he's here to chase a legacy, and the series captures it with raw honesty. Inside the camp that could change it all With holdouts, hold-ins, and major contract extensions dominating headlines across the league, Buffalo's camp is a pressure cooker. But that's exactly what makes it must-watch. The roster is packed with personalities, but it's also filled with unproven rookies, veterans on the bubble, and staff walking a tightrope. Coach McDermott puts it plainly: 'You either evolve or get passed up.' Every rep, every meeting, and every roster cut adds tension. And with Brandon Beane making major front-office moves behind the scenes—including contract restructures and talent evaluations—the stakes go far beyond preseason hype. Hard Knocks: Buffalo Bills 2025 – Episode schedule Episode Date Time Where to Watch 1 Aug. 5 9:00 p.m. EST HBO Max 2 Aug. 12 9:00 p.m. EST HBO Max 3 Aug. 19 9:00 p.m. EST HBO Max 4 Aug. 26 9:00 p.m. EST HBO Max 5 Sept. 2 9:00 p.m. EST HBO Max Also read: Cowboys' starter Rob Jones breaks neck bone in brutal training camp injury, out for months FAQs 1. What's Josh Allen's background? Allen, 29, grew up in California and played college football at Wyoming before being drafted by the Bills in 2018. 2. How much is Josh Allen worth in 2025? With a blockbuster deal and brand endorsements, his net worth stands at $70+ million. 3. Who else features prominently in Hard Knocks 2025 ? Expect major screen time for Sean McDermott, Brandon Beane, and rising stars across both offense and defense as they push through a crucial preseason. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
HBO releases 'Hard Knocks' 2025 schedule featuring the Buffalo Bills
HBO's "Hard Knocks" series will be on-demand viewing for Buffalo Bills fans this summer. HBO has released the episode airing dates for the documentary series following the Bills throughout this year's training camp. HBO will release the first episode of the series on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 9 p.m. Viewers may also stream the episodes on HBO Max. Each subsequent episode will be released weekly on Tuesday night, culminating with the season finale on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The 2025 edition of the series, officially titled "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills," will explore Buffalo's ramp-up to another highly anticipated season. Buffalo is the favorite to win the AFC East, and the Bills are among the top bets to make a run to the Super Bowl. The episodes will provide an all-access look at the team, both on and off the field. Quarterback Josh Allen, who will undoubtedly be a focal point of the show, isn't worried about the cameras at training camp. "This is what a good organization looks like, and people are going to get a sneak peek into that and just how we operate." Allen adds, "So again, you can kind of think two ways about it, but we're taking the way of like, hey, let's just do what we do and whatever is shown is shown." Several other storylines may be of interest to producers. The series can explore what the Bills need to do to finally get over the hump and win their first AFC Championship since 1993. Additionally, there are several interesting subplots. Running back James Cook, in search of a new contract, is fully participating in activities. Buffalo's new-look defensive line, with several new additions via the draft and free agency, will be something to watch as well. Beyond the sidelines, safety Damar Hamlin, who has advocated for youth safety and resources since his cardiac arrest in January 2023, was present when New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation for youth sports organizations to have AEDs (automatic defibrillator devices) and implementation plans for youth events. The preview of the Bills' appearance on "Hard Knocks" can be found below:
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Josh Allen holds back curse words on Hard Knocks to keep it clean for his mom during Bills training camp
Josh Allen holds back curse words on Hard Knocks to keep it clean for his mom during Bills training camp (Image Via X) Josh Allen, the star quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, shared a story that keeps you waiting a bit before you know why he made a change. He spoke during Buffalo Bill's opening day of training camp in Pittsford, New York, on July 23, 2025. Cameras from HBO's 'Hard Knocks' were everywhere and Josh Allen was mic‑up during practice. He joked about speaking more carefully. But there was a reason behind it. He said he tried to not curse so his mother could watch without worry. That simple choice shows how family matters to him. Why Josh Allen tried not to curse on the show On July 23, 2025, at the Buffalo Bills training camp in Pittsford, New York, Josh Allen said: 'Yeah, I tried not to cuss as much. Just making sure that anything that I say my mom would be OK with.' He spoke this while mic'd up for HBO's show 'Hard Knocks'. — _mlfootball (@_mlfootball) The reigning NFL MVP, who married actress Hailee Steinfeld in May and signed a huge contract in March, was thoughtful about his language when he knew his mother might hear him. Josh Allen added he knew it was HBO and they can edit any strong language, but he wanted to be sure his mother could watch without concern. He smiled and said 'You guys are everywhere' when he saw the film crew as he arrived at the interview tent at the start of camp practice. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Skinny Drink Is Going Viral for Melting Stomach Fat Fast Hollywood News | USA Click Here Undo Josh Allen, 'Hard Knocks' and training camp context At the same training camp in Pittsford, New York, the Buffalo Bills welcomed the exposure from HBO's cameras as the series began filming their five‑week camp, which is set to premiere on August 5, 2025, on HBO and Max. Coach Sean McDermott said the team has 'nothing to hide' and invited fans inside the locker room and field work. Josh Allen acknowledged being mic'd made him feel like he could not say everything he wanted: 'I don't love doing that … feel like I can't say everything I want to say'. But he welcomed the show's chance to 'humanize' players and let fans see what goes on behind the scenes. Training camp continues through early August as cameras follow daily routines and team leaders guide younger players toward their Super Bowl goals. Also Read: ' Our World Stopped': Josh Hines Allen Opens Up About A Life-Changing Moment With His Son Wesley FAQs 1. Why did Josh Allen avoid swearing on Hard Knocks ? Josh Allen said he tried not to curse on Hard Knocks because his mom would be watching the show. 2. When did Josh Allen talk about Hard Knocks and his mom? Josh Allen shared this during Buffalo Bills training camp on July 23, 2025, in Pittsford, New York. 3. Is Josh Allen being filmed for Hard Knocks in 2025? Yes, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are featured in the 2025 Hard Knocks series on HBO and Max. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
WATCH: Trailer for Bills on HBO's 'Hard Knocks' is released
While the Buffalo Bills (and every NFL team) usually do not like to be featured on it, they will be. HBO's annual NFL training camp show "Hard Knocks" will be following the Bills around this summer. It's set to premier on Aug. 5. What's in store for Buffalo when watching? We have our first look at what's to come as the trailer for it was released, which can be found below: This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Watch the trailer for the Bills on HBO's 'Hard Knocks'
