August 30

​The Bills final preseason game providing a little look into some of the position battles, both with guys who did play and those who didn't.

Offensive Line: Mitch Morse has officially cleared the concussion protocol. Now it is wait and see where Jon Feliciano slides to. If Quinton Spain remains out with an ankle injury, Feliciano could replace him at left guard. If Spain is healthy, things really get interesting. Ty Nsekhe was back fully at practice Tuesday. If he is a go, where does Cody Ford play? That could line things up for a Feliciano vs. Ford decision. As we head into the first week of the regular season there are still no answers to the questions that began dating back to OTAs.

Tight End: Jason Croom caught two of this three targets for 27 yards in his first preseason action. I highly doubt it is enough for him to make the 53-man roster. General Manager Brandon Beane address Tyler Kroft's status during the TV broadcast, saying the team is still discussing whether or not Kroft will begin on the PUP list. Either way, it appears Lee Smith, Dawson Knox, and Tommy Sweeney will begin the year as this team's tight end trio, mixing and matching as opposed to a true starter and go-to.

CB2: Both Levi Wallace and Kevin Johnson didn't suit up for the preseason finale. Wallace officially holds onto his job with Johnson the Bills primary back-up outside corner.

Extra-Point: Isaiah McKenzie did not play in the preseason finale, a good sign that his roster spot is safe. Duke Williams and Ray-Ray McCloud did. Williams caught two of his five targets for 18 yards. McCloud was five for five for 48 yards. Both earned praise from Beane on the TV broadcast. The question likely comes down to whether or not the Bills will keep seven WRs. If so, Williams or McCloud has a shot, but I think it is unlikely the team does so. It also should be noted Robert Foster played only special teams, something he told me afterwards is a "new role" for him, one where he is willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to the team.

August 26

​Just two more days of practice before the final preseason game, where we won't see many if any of the guys who are fighting for starting jobs.

Offensive Line: Quinton Spain out of practice once again with an ankle injury. He was working with the training staff off to the side. Ty Nsekhe said afterwards that he was back participating fully. Josh Allen said Mitch Morse was participating in 11-on-11 team work, but the Bills saying he remains in the concussion protocol. One interesting observation, albeit this was just during individual work, is that Nsekhe and Feliciano were seen working as a RT/RG combo with Cody Ford coming in at RT with the second team. That said, I did see Ford starting at RT when I was walking off the field as team work began. In that same individual portion, Spencer Long was at LG. As I said earlier, we won't see any of these guys on the field Thursday night, so answers won't come until practice begins for week one of the regular season.

Tight End: Tyler Kroft once again was seen working with the training staff off to the side. I also saw him lightly running some routes by himself.

CB2: Levi Wallace is the guy. Tre'Davious White was back at practice after missing Sunday, so Kevin Johnson slides back as the back-up.

August 25

Home stretch for these position battles with the final preseason game Thursday night. A light practice today, but still news at a few spots.

Offensive Line: Quinton Spain did not practice after leaving Friday night's game with an ankle injury. He was working on an exercise bike, which is encouraging considering he left Ford Field on crutches with a walking boot on. Still, Sean McDermott wouldn't commit to a timeline for Spain's return or even open up about severity of the injury. Mitch Morse remains in the concussion protocol. Ty Nsekhe was on the field doing the small amount of work the media was able to see.

Tight End: Tyler Kroft continues to work with the training staff off to the side.

CB2: Same story, Levi Wallace has the job. Tre'Davious White is dealing with a quad contusion and did not practice, with Kevin Johnson sliding in for White.

Extra-Point: I spoke with the the three wide receivers likely fighting for one, maybe two spots: Duke Williams, Isaiah McKenzie, and Ray-Ray McCloud. All are confident, but understand there is still work to be done. This truly will be the most interesting thing to watch in Thursday night's finale. 

August 23

​Injuries are once again in the forefront, with guys seemingly dropping like flies in the first half of the 3rd preseason game in Detroit.

Offensive Line: Quinton Spain the latest guy up front to go down. Spain carted off the field with an ankle injury and I saw him leaving the locker room after the game on crutches and in a walking boot. Ike Boettger replaced Spain at left guard, which says a lot about where things currently stand with Wyatt Teller, who was at right guard with the second team. Cody Ford once again started at right tackle with Ty Nsekhe not playing. Spencer Long was the starting right guard. While I don't expect Mitch Morse to play in the final preseason game, it appears he is on the verge of clearing the concussion protocol and, in turn, would practice this week. Where the rest of the line slots with Morse back is the real question.

Tight End: It was a quiet night at the position, which is to be expected considering the offense went extremely run heavy. Tommy Sweeney did not register a target, but did get the start. Dawson Knox made his preseason debut and also was not targeted, but played more than I expected him to. That is a positive sign and maybe he will play in the preseason finale just to help him get back into game shape. Jason Croom was dressed, but did not play once again. Tyler Kroft was seen running on the field pregame.

CB2: Levi Wallace had a very nice game. He did leave briefly with an injury when he got the wind knocked out of him, with Kevin Johnson taking his place. Johnson also seeing time with the first team when Tre'Davious White had to leave with a quad contusion. 

Extra-Point: The wide receiver battle is getting very intriguing. Duke Williams seeing a solid amount of time with the first team offense, but primarily was used as a blocker. However, Williams once again using his size in red zone on a Matt Barkley pass, grabbing the ball above his head and holding on through contact and across the goal line. Sean McDermott saying he earned the time with the 1's. Isaiah McKenzie also flashing again, taking an end around for a touchdown. Ray-Ray McCloud had some trouble holding onto the ball and was with the second team. Maybe the most interesting sight of the night at wide out was Zay Jones playing well into the second half with the second team. McDermott said afterwards that they wanted to get Jones more involved in the passing game, something that hasn't happened the past game or so. To me Jones is safe. The real question now may be not whether or not the Bills will keep a six wide receivers, but maybe now would they keep seven?

August 21

​The final practice before the third preseason game lighter on the field, while giving some clarity as to who won't be on it Friday night.

Offensive Line: Mitch Morse will miss the Bills third preseason game as he remains in the concussion protocol. Sean McDermott said, "the goal is to have a good end of the week and then into next week." Morse once again was on the practice field without the red, non-contact jersey. Ty Nsekhe was also limited with a knee injury. McDermott was asked if he believed the Nsekhe-Cody Ford combo on the right side was the best they could put out there and he responded that it all depends on availability and health. I would expect Nsekhe to play a bit on Friday night with Ford at right guard and then Ford possibly spend some time with the second unit at right tackle, as he did in the preseason opener against the Colts.

Tight End: Jason Croom returning to practice in a limited fashion. His status for Friday remains in the air. Dawson Knox was full go all week, although McDermott hinted at a possible snap count against the Lions. I did ask the Bills head coach if Tommy Sweeney has earned the right to stay with the first team even as Knox and Croom return, and he said he's done a good job and developing trust. 

CB2: Game action is the only place where the needle may move in this competition, which in my opinion, is all but closed with Levi Wallace keeping the job despite the solid training camp and preseason of Kevin Johnson.

August 20

The Bills continue to get healthier by the day, as one prominent piece to one position puzzle is on the verge of making a return.

Offensive Line: Mitch Morse was out practicing in full pads and no red, non-contact jersey for the first time since suffering a concussion on July 27th. The final step to exit the concussion protocol will be the be cleared by an independent neurologist. With Morse all but back in the mix, this is where we will see a shift everywhere else. Does Cody Ford play right guard or right tackle? Where does Jon Feliciano move to? I don't foresee Morse playing in any of the preseason games, so those answers may be more of a mystery until the regular season gets underway.

Tight End: Jason Croom not practicing Tuesday, a day after participating in full. On the flip side, Dawson Knox was a full go for the second-straight day. Still no word on whether or not he will get in the game Friday night in Detroit. 

CB2: Status quo - Levi Wallace is the guy ahead of Kevin Johnson.

August 19

​We are starting to see some guys get healthy, adding intrigue to some position battles. Once again, I'm only able to see the individual portion of practice, so observations are more so coming from what players and coaches are saying.

Offensive Line: Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll doesn't seem to have the urgency you'd think he would to find the final starting five up front, saying there's still a lot of time before the end of the preseason. Mitch Morse is still in the concussion protocol, but once again was seen snapping the ball during a small portion of practice. Ty Nsekhe was seen working with trainers off to the side. With both those guys out, the roles of Jon Feliciano and Cody Ford remain in flux.

Tight End: Jason Croom and Dawson Knox were both full participants in practice for the first time in weeks. Knox saying after practice that he felt like a kid on Christmas out there, with the time off seeming more like a few months than weeks. The rookie admitted the rehab was purposely slowed down because of the injury occurring so early in training camp. He has never had a hamstring injury before, but understands it is easy to tweak the injury once again if you return too soon. He did not know whether or not he will make his preseason debut Friday night in Detroit. While those two returned, more praise for Tommy Sweeney, with Daboll saying the seventh round pick "didn't blink" when thrown in with the first team in the absence of Croom and Knox. I continue to give him an inside track on making the roster, likely over Croom, at this point.

CB2: No news on this front, with Levi Wallace still in the saddle and Kevin Johnson behind.

**Extra-Point: Rounding out the wide receiver position is likely more of a competition than CB2. I asked Daboll his philosophy on having a diverse skillset amongst his WR group. While saying the Bills will keep the best guys, he did single out Duke Williams as someone different than the other guys vying for the job. Daboll pointing out Williams' size and ability to make contested catches, saying the former CFL star made the most of his opportunity in Friday night's preseason win over Carolina, where he caught a touchdown. Before the game I would say it was a two-horse race between Isaiah McKenzie and Ray-Ray McCloud, but Williams now is in the mix. Whereas Robert Foster made the final 53 a year ago because he provided speed the WR room lacked, Williams could make the team in a similar fashion, with the rest of the guys considered locks more smaller, faster, shiftier wide outs.

August 18

​My ability to really watch how these position battles are evolving is much more limited now that practices have shifted back to One Bills Drive. The media is only able to watch a small portion of practice when the team is working in individual drills. So that means most of my observations will be made through what the players and coaches are saying.

Offensive Line: Sean McDermott admitted Sunday, "We want to get this thing set here in the foreseeable future." ​Mitch Morse remains in the concussion protocol. I believe this is the piece to the puzzle that sets everything else up. I asked Jon Feliciano how he is handling being taken away from the right guard competition to fill in at center and he said it's not a big challenge for him since position flexibility has been a thing his entire career. McDermott going in line with Brian Daboll's answer to my question on whether or not they believe it's in Cody Ford's best interest to stay at one position, saying he believes Ford's smart enough to handle both right tackle and right guard and has performed well at both. Dion Dawkins adding more perspective, though, to what Ford is going through. Dawkins went between both tackle spots during his first training camp. When I asked about Ford doing it now, Dawkins admitted he did not know everything he needed to for multiple positions his rookie year, relying on the help of others around him. It is this reason as to why I think the Bills need to make a choice on Ford ASAP.

Tight End: Practice was very light, so no real work was done. However, McDermott giving a little beforehand on the three tight ends working back from injury. He said Tyler Kroft is "working his butt off" and moving in the right direction, but would not give a timeline for Kroft's return. Similar notes on Jason Croom and Dawson Knox, though they are definitely closer to a return to action than Kroft.

CB2: McDermott saying Sunday he has a lot of confidence in Kevin Johnson. He went on to say this week is another big one for Johnson. I don't take this as an indication Levi Wallace is getting pushed tremendously, more so how McDermott knows there is great depth at a position there wasn't a year ago.

August 16

​The Bills second preseason game having injuries once again shuffle the offensive line. Meanwhile guys shining at other positions with opportunities given because of injuries.

Offensive Line: Ty Nsekhe out for the game while dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of the team portion of practice Wednesday. It is not believed to be serious or long-term. With Nsekhe out, Cody Ford starting at right tackle and Spencer Long at right guard, while Jon Feliciano remains at center in place of Mitch Morse. Ford had a few issues, but overall, played well back where he began training camp.

Tight End: A week after failing to reel in his only target, Tommy Sweeney emerged Friday night in Charlotte. The rookie seventh round pick caught both his targets for 47 yards, both in big chunks (25 and 22 yards). He told me after the game that he isn't looking over his shoulder as Jason Croom and Dawson Knox inch closer to returns, but this is definitely the type of performance that can help him maintain a strong footing with the first team even once Croom and Knox are back.

CB2: Levi Wallace made a very nice play on a deep ball at the goal line, elevating and knocking the ball away from the receiver. Kevin Johnson came in with the second team and grabbed a pick-six, toting a ball thrown right to him 71 yards to the house. Johnson's play seems more so at this point like a great safety net with depth at a position the Bills didn't last season. Something drastic would need to happen for Wallace to not win this job.

Extra-Point: The Bills top five WRs are all but set: John Brown, Cole Beasley, Zay Jones, Robert Foster, Andre Roberts). If the team decides to keep a sixth, the battle for that spot is hot. Isaiah McKenzie flashed for the second-straight preseason game, taking a screen pass 37 yards off a great juke. He also was second behind Roberts to take punt returns. Ray-Ray McCloud seemed to have the edge before game action, caught one of his two targets for no yards. On the flip side, we finally saw the Duke Williams many believed the Bills were getting from the CFL, grabbing three of his four targets, including a touchdown. Williams taking reps from Cam Phillips, who was all but absent from the game until the kneel downs. This race is going to go strong until the very end.

August 14

​Bills finished up their two days of joint practices with the Panthers at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Not a whole lot of shifting at the position battles, but injuries continue to be a part of the equation.

Offensive Line: Mitch Morse taking another step forward as he was seen snapping the ball to all three Bills quarterbacks. Morse remains in the concussion protocol and was still wearing the red, non-contact jersey. He is slowly doing more at practice, so things appear to be progressing as the center has been out since July 29th. Ty Nsekhe participated in individual work, but was not in the line-up during the team portion of practice. When asked, Bills PR had no information on why Nsekhe wasn't playing. With him out, Cody Ford was at right tackle and Spencer Long at right guard, as Jon Feliciano continues to assume the 1st team reps at center in place of Morse.

Tight End: Another day of seeing Tyler Kroft walking around and Dawson Knox working with trainers while Tommy Sweeney took the first team reps. Jason Croom was seen with the second team.

CB2: I noticed more rotation between Levi Wallace and Kevin Johnson today than I can remember to date. Wallace still had the majority of the reps, but Johnson got a solid share of time with the 1st team. Captain Munnerlyn saw his first real action since signing with the team over the weekend, playing in the slot with both the 1st and 2nd team.

​August 13

​Bills doing two days of joint practices with the Panthers at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. That means fresh competition to go against that these guys haven't seen over the first few weeks of training camp. Much like preseason games, I'd imagine performances here may carry a little more weight in evaluations.

Offensive Line: Mitch Morse is "moving in the right direction" according to Sean McDermott. We saw that today with Morse participating with his helmet on in a red, non-contact jersey during the individual portion of practice. This is the first time since he entered the concussion protocol on July 29th that we have seen Morse do anything other than conditioning work with trainers. Still, McDermott not going into detail as to when Morse may be cleared and return to full action. Cody Ford once again began practice at right guard, kicking out to right tackle briefly. Jon Feliciano remains as the 1st team center in place of Morse, with Spencer Long coming in with the 2's.

Tight End: While Jason Croom is making progress, Tommy Sweeney continues to get the reps with the first team offense. He had one of the big drops on a deep ball from Josh Allen, having it just go off his hands. I saw Dawson Knox once again doing conditioning work with the trainers off to the side.

CB2: ​Levi Wallace providing a highlight against the Panthers, grabbing an interception in the end zone. Kevin Johnson subbed in for Tre'Davious White briefly during first team work against Carolina's offense, showing that he is next in line as of now behind Wallace, but the gap appears to be somewhat large.

August 8

​Bills first preseason game our first real progress report as to where things stand with these position battles. It also is where guys can start to make an impression weighted more heavily than what they do in practices.

Offensive Line: Jon Feliciano back after missing practice Tuesday with a shoulder injury. However Feliciano starting at center as opposed to seeing time at right guard. Russell Bodine had been the replacement for Mitch Morse, but Feliciano slides in where he had been in place of Morse during OTAs and minicamp. Cody Ford starting the game at right guard, with Ty Nsekhe at right tackle. Once the second unit came in, Ford moves outside to right tackle briefly with Spencer Long at right guard. It looks like playing Ford at guard, as of now, is more than just something driven out of necessity by injuries, with Long back. Let's see if that changes when Morse returns, freeing up Feliciano to return to the guard competition.

Tight End: Disappointing night for Tommy Sweeney. He dropped the one target he had on a ball that was right in his chest. Overall, only one other tight end even saw a target, Keith Towbridge, who reeled it in for a 21-yard reception. Fifteen other Bills players saw targets in this game, so this may just be a night where the position wasn't involved in the offense in general. Moving forward, it's all about who can get healthy and when, with Jason Croom and Dawson Knox seeming closer than Tyler Kroft.

CB2: It was all Levi Wallace with the 1st team offense. Kevin Johnson and Lafayette Pitts ran out there with the second unit, with Pitts making a great play on a ball, but dropping a should-be interception. One corner nugget of note: The Bills playing a lot of "Big Nickel" from the start of the game, with Siran Neal in the slot. While this doesn't have an effect on the starting job opposite Tre'Davious White, it is just an interesting thing to keep an eye on, with Taron Johnson the traditional nickel corner.

August 6

Bills training camp at St. John Fisher College wraps up with injuries continuing to be the biggest theme of the 10 practice days.

Offensive Line: After returning to practice in a limited fashion on Monday, Jon Feliciano absent on Tuesday as he deals with a shoulder injury. Mitch Morse was once again working with trainers as he remains in the concussion protocol. Spencer Long was in with the second team at right guard with Cody Ford remaining at that spot with the first team. However, late in practice, Long did slide up with the 1’s with Ford sliding back to right tackle.

Tight End: Jason Croom and Dawson Knox continued to do conditioning work and running with trainers off to the side. Sean McDermott says he is encouraged by their progress, but it remains to be seen when either will return to action. Tommy Sweeney and Lee Smith keep getting the bulk of the load with the first team offense.

CB2: Health once again setting EJ Gaines back, with McDermott saying Gaines is expected to miss “weeks” with a groin injury. Gaines issues has always been about staying healthy, something he didn’t do when with the Bills two years ago and last season with the Browns. This absolutely derails his chances of winning this job. Now it is between just Levi Wallace and Kevin Johnson. Wallace continues to get most of the reps, but I have noticed Johnson started to sprinkle in a little more with the 1’s. Also worth noting, while Lafayette Pitts was getting 2nd team reps alongside Johnson, McDermott once again giving good praise to Cam Lewis, the UDFA from UB. Someone to keep an eye on as preseason moves along to possibly surprise and make the team.

August 5

Sean McDermott saying before practice that he does have some concern as the injuries begin to mount, but that he and the coaching staff can only evaluate the guys on the field.

Offensive Line: LaAdrian Waddle was carted off the field Sunday and now Adam Schefter reporting he’ll miss the season with a torn quad. Waddle was fighting to be a back-up tackle. Mitch Morse remains in the concussion protocol. On the flip side both Jon Feliciano and Spencer Long returned to practice in a limited capacity. Still, Cody Ford playing right guard the majority of practice. McDermott saying beforehand that the move was partly because of the injuries, but also to get a look at the rookie at guard. Feliciano and Long were in for one play at the end of practice, with Ford moving back to right tackle.

Tight End: I saw Jason Croom and Dawson Knox doing more work with trainers than I have to date. Their running is a good sign of progress from their hamstring injuries. McDermott praising Tommy Sweeney and Nate Becker for their play on Friday nights practice at New Era Field. Both continue to see time with first team.

CB2: EJ Gaines missed practice with a groin injury. Levi Wallace continues to get the majority of time with the first team, but for the second-straight day Kevin Johnson subbed in for a few series.

August 4

​Injuries continuing to play a role in these position battles, not only allowing guys originally buried on the depth chart to see time, but also shifting guys from where they've been playing to date in training camp.

Offensive Line: Jon Feliciano the latest to get bit by the injury bug, suffering a shoulder injury during Friday night's practice at New Era Field and forcing him out Sunday. He joins Mitch Morse, who remains in the concussion protocol, and Spencer Long, who re-aggravated a knee injury. With the two guys we've seen play at right guard both out, Cody Ford sliding in at the position. This is the first time we have seen Ford get time at guard, even dating back through OTAs and minicamp. We have heard about the rookie's flexibility between tackle and guard, but I will be interested to see how long he stays there as opposed to sliding Wyatt Teller there. 

Tight End: Sean McDermott making a point before practice to mentioned how both Tommy Sweeney and Nate Becker made plays Friday night at New Era Field. Those two once again seeing time with the first team, as well as Lee Smith. McDermott once again noting that Tyler Kroft, Jason Croom, and Dawson Knox are progressing well, but not giving a timeline for any of their returns.

CB2: EJ Gaines leaving practice following a pass break-up on a deep ball from Tyree Jackson. He did not return and there is no information on what exactly he is out with. After that, I did see Kevin Johnson get some time with the first team offense opposite Tre'Davious White. Still, Levi Wallace continues to get the bulk of the reps with the first team.

August 2​

Things shifting for an evening practice at New Era Field, where injuries continue to move things around at some of the position battles.

Offensive Line: Sean McDermott shedding a little light on the recent movement we've seen along the offensive line, saying it is how they scripted it heading into training camp. That means it is not performance-based when Ty Nsekhe is seen at right tackle for Cody Ford and even at left tackle for Dion Dawkins. Going a step further, that means that things are closer to as open across the line as we thought going into camp than what conclusions were drawn after stability the first few days. On the injury front, Mitch Morse remains in the concussion protocol and because of that McDermott not commenting on his level of concern based on Morse's history with concussions. Spencer Long was out a day after returning from missing a practice with a leg injury. Quinton Spain was back at left guard. Jon Feliciano was seen walking with trainers up the tunnel in the middle of practice. Wyatt Teller getting the reps at right guard in his place.

Tight End: McDermott saying that Tyler Kroft, Jason Croom, and Dawson Knox are all progressing in their attempts to return from injuries. Kroft was on the sidelines tonight without a walking boot. It is a first for me to see him on the field in any capacity during a practice this training camp. As for those on the field, Tommy Sweeney with some nice plays, including a deep ball in tight coverage from Josh Allen. Another rookie shining with his newfound opportunity is UDFA Nate Becker, who found the endzone a few times in goal-to-go work. 

CB2: The reps remain the same in this battle and I will continue to say that I think we won't see movement here with reps until depending how the first preseason game goes. That said, Levi Wallace once again dropped a should-be interception for the second-straight day. For as well as he played and stabilized this position the back half of last season, Wallace failed to reel in an INT. Playmaking and forcing turnovers is one of the areas this defense has mentioned they want to improve from a year ago, so just something to keep an eye on as this competition moves forward.

August 1

​Veteran maintenance days becoming more of thing as we hit the one week mark of training camp. Those absences paired with injuries bringing about more change at some position battles.

Offensive Line: Mitch Morse remains in the concussion protocol. Added to the injury list Thursday was Quinton Spain with foot soreness. On the flip side, Spencer Long returned after missing one day with a knee injury, although he was out most of the back portion of practice, with Wyatt Teller taking his spot at left guard. Russell Bodine once again at center for Morse and Jon Feliciano at right guard. The biggest noteworthy observation of the day at this position was the movement at both tackle spots involving Ty Nsekhe. He began with the first team at right tackle, rotating out at times with Cody Ford. While that has been happening in the past, Nsekhe getting reps at left tackle for the first time in place of Dion Dawkins. This could be just to get Nsekhe time as a possible back-up swing tackle, but also may be an indicator that our original thoughts of a lot of movement and competition up front were indeed correct.

Tight End: Lee Smith taking a vet day off. Tommy Sweeney with some nice places with the first team. Two other guys seeing run with the 1s with Smith out, Keith Towbridge and UDFA Nate Becker. Once again I saw Jason Croom and Dawson Knox working after practice. 

CB2: Levi Wallace had an easy interception bounce right off his chest in the back of the endzone while working with the first team. Still, Wallace the main guy with EJ Gaines and Kevin Johnson staying together with the second team.

July 31

​The defense got the better of the offense Wednesday morning, a lot of that caused by the disruption up front. This practice showing the most movement on the offensive line to date, a product of injuries.

Offensive Line: The mystery surrounding Mitch Morse answered before practice by Sean McDermott, the center is in the concussion protocol. McDermott says Morse diagnosed yesterday, but since he sat out Sunday's practice as a maintenance day, the injury appears to have happened Saturday, the first day of pads. While there's no competition with Morse to start, this is something to keep an eye on because of his substantial history with concussions. Spencer Long also added to the injury list, missing practice with knee soreness. With those two out, Russell Bodine at center and Jon Feliciano at right guard. Ty Nsekhe seeing his most significant time with the first team as well. Cody Ford did substitute in from time to time. It is interesting how we are seeing a little more movement as each day of camp passes.

Tight End: McDermott confirming before practice that Tyler Kroft is out of a walking boot, although provided no new timeline for his return. I saw both Jason Croom and Dawson Knox with helmets on doing work on the jugs machine after practice. As for on the field, Tommy Sweeney and Lee Smith continue to get the first team reps.

CB2: Levi Wallace remains with the first team as EJ Gaines and Kevin Johnson stay with the second. I spoke with all three after practice today, where they all believe it is a tight race this early in camp. I think this race won't begin to turn until preseason action can separate them a little more.

July 30

Rainy day at St. John Fisher College as the Bills return to practice after their first day off of training camp. One guy out once again causing some shifting around at one of the major position groups.

Offensive Line: Mitch Morse missed his second-straight practice. When I asked Bills PR about it, they did not have an answer as to why Morse was out again. He was working with the training staff off to the side and moving well. Sean McDermott is set to talk Wednesday morning before practice, so that is likely when an update on Morse will be available. With him on the sidelines, some interesting movement along the offensive line. To start, Spencer Long working at center with Russell Bodine taking the first team reps at guard. This is the first time dating back to the start of OTAs that I have seen Long at center and Bodine anywhere besides center. Long has a history at center and did tell me the other day he has always had a foot at both position throughout his career and was enjoying focusing on just one. For Bodine, gaining position flexibility is his best chance to make this team. Bodine also saw time at center, with Jon Feliciano sliding in at right guard. Dion Dawkins and Quinton Spain remain constants on the left side. Cody Ford continued to get most of the reps at right tackle, although Ty Nsekhe did have some time with the first team. I will definitely be curious how things are rolled out tomorrow, whatever Morse's status is.

Tight End: Nothing really new here. Tommy Sweeney continues to get the majority of the reps with the first team. Lee Smith also getting his run. Jason Croom and Dawson Knox were seen around the practice fields as the morning session ended. Maybe McDermott will have an updated timeline on both tomorrow.

CB2: Things remain the same on the field, but the update comes from comments made by defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier before practice Tuesday morning. I asked Frazier how big the gap was between Levi Wallace and the two newcomers chasing him, Kevin Johnson and EJ Gaines and Frazier's response was, "He's the incumbent starter and somebody's got to take it away from him. He went on to say, "He's the starter. Whether a guy's gaining on him or not, it matters, but it doesn't matter. Levi's the starter and we'll see how things go. It's so early right now." To me this all points to what has been clear by the rep distribution through five practices: Wallace brought stability to the position the second half of last season and until he proves otherwise this preseason, the job will be his, even if Johnson and Gaines flash.

July 28

Things continue to remain fairly consistent at all the position battles through the first grouping of practices of training camp. The Bills appear to really want to develop continuity early.

Offensive Line: Mitch Morse getting a veteran maintenance day, so Jon Feliciano sliding over to center while Spencer Long was at right guard. Based on the daily switching between Long and Feliciano, the timing worked out. It is noteworthy that Feliciano continues to be the one to fill in for Morse, as he did during OTAs, and not Russell Bodine or Long, who has experience at center as well. Cody Ford continues to get praise, the latest from Sean McDermott and Josh Allen. 

Tight End: This is becoming a battle of attrition. I noticed Dawson Knox grabbing at his left hamstring at the end of practice Saturday and, sure enough, he missed practice Sunday. Knox joins Jason Croom on the mend with a hammy. I saw Tyler Kroft walking around St. John Fisher College with his left foot in a boot and using a crutch. It appears that Kroft's timeline to return truly is unknown at this time. That leaves seventh round pick Tommy Sweeney as one of the last ones standing. He and Lee Smith are getting the reps with the first team. As things stand after four practices, I would say Sweeney and Croom may be the battle for a roster spot.

CB2: There has been little movement here at the top, with Levi Wallace getting the majority of the reps with the first team all four days to date of training camp. The one thing to note from Sunday was that Kevin Johnson saw some work in the slot with the second team. If Wallace holds off both Johnson and EJ Gaines, their value to make the team would be strengthened if they could also work in at nickel. They likely wouldn't start over Taron Johnson, but after all the injuries the Bills saw at the position last season, there is a need for solid depth at corner.

July 27

As the pads come on for the first time, training camp is now officially underway. This is where competitions start to come into focus, with things on the offensive line looking more simple originally thought.

Offensive Line: There may only be one true competition up front and that is at right guard. Jon Feliciano back with the first team on Saturday, swapping with Spencer Long. Everything else on the offensive line remained the same as it has since day one. Dion Dawkins and Quinton Spain continue to be on the left side while Cody Ford is at right tackle, with Mitch Morse at center. Ty Nsekhe does get a few reps at tackle, but it is rare and never for too long. 

Tight End: The only real noteworthy thing from Saturday's practice at tight end was rookie Dawson Knox getting into it with safety Micah Hyde. Knox lowering his shoulder as the two met right before going out of bounds. Smack talk was exchanged before the two got face-to-face with some shoving, prompting the whole team to come together in a scuffle of sorts. Hyde downplaying it all afterwards, citing competition. Beyond that, it was Knox, Tommy Sweeney, and Lee Smith once again getting run with the 1s.

​CB2: Nothing new in the cornerback battle, with Levi Wallace continuing to get the majority of the first team reps. Kevin Johnson and EJ Gaines were with the second team, with both making nice plays during the one-on-one drills against the wide outs.

July 26

Two days into camp and patterns are already starting to develop at some of the key position battles.

Offensive Line: Spencer Long elevating to the first team at right guard in place of Jon Feliciano, while Quinton Spain remained at left guard. Let’s see if Long and Feliciano flip back Saturday. Cody Ford once again starting at right tackle, a sign that the Bills are truly giving the rookie second round pick the first crack at earning the job over Ty Nsekhe.

Tight End: After starting camp Thursday with the first team, Jason Croom out Friday with a hamstring injury. It’s an injury that kept Croom out of OTAs and minicamp. That opening the door for rookies Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney along with Lee Smith as the guys continuing to rotate with the first team. 

CB2: Levi Wallace once again getting the majority of run with the first team. Kevin Johnson the next man up to rotate in a bit in place of Wallace. EJ Gaines, who had a very good first day, was with the second team. It appears while Wallace is starting practice with first team, both Johnson and Gaines are getting chances as well early in camp.

July 25

Bills training camp opening with us already seeing some shifting at the key position battles.

Offensive Line: Dion Dawkins and Mitch Morse continue to stay put at left tackle and center respectively. From there changes coming from how minicamp ended. Jon Feliciano and Quinton Spain were at both guard spots with the first team, flipping with each other every so often. Spencer Long, who was at left guard at the end of the spring, was on the left side with the second team. Wyatt Teller was the second team left guard. Cody Ford got the majority of the reps at right tackle, with Ty Nsekhe subbing in a little. 

Tight End: Tyler Kroft opens camp on the PUP list as he continues to be out with a broken foot. Sean McDermott not giving a true timeline as to when Kroft may return. Jason Croom is healthy after a hamstring injury put him on the sidelines during minicamp. He saw time with the first team as well as Lee Smith, who was in primarily on run packages. Dawson Knox appeared to get the majority of reps with the 1s. Fellow rookie Tommy Sweeney a surprise with time on the first team, the fourth guy to run with the 1s.

CB2: Levi Wallace starts training camp as the starter opposite Tre’Davious White, but he is already getting a push from the competition. EJ Gaines grabbing and interception and forcing another after tipping a pass. By the end of the day Gaines rotating in with the 1s. Kevin Johnson, who made a lot of plays through the spring, stayed with the 2s.