The Buffalo Bills held their seventh practice of training on Thursday at St. John Fisher University before heading back to Orchard Park for one day and the Return of the Blue & Red practice at Highmark Stadium, the final such event before the new stadium opens across the street in 2026.

HAIRSTON SPOTTED AFTER KNEE INJURY

A league source told Spectrum News 1 that rookie CB Maxwell Hairston sprained his lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during positional drills on Tuesday. While he avoided a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which likely would’ve ended his season before it even began, no timetable has been given for Hairston’s return to the field. After practice Thursday, I spotted Hairston walking with crutches and a brace on his right knee before hitching a ride on a cart outside of the locker room.

NEXT MAN UP AT CB2

Hairston had been battling with veteran Tre’Davious White among others one of the starting outside cornerback jobs opposite Christian Benford. White continued his share of first-team reps on Thursday, while Dane Jackson, Ja’Marcus Ingram, and rookie Dorian Strong will all have a chance at more time. Strong, who defensive coordinator Bobby Babich pointed out will see more action, had a nice day with pass breakup on a fade to tight end Zach Davidson during red zone work.

The Bills’ depth at the position was a strength going into training camp. White has been solid in his second stint with the Bills this spring and summer, and seemed to be a notch ahead of the rookie Hairston thought the first week of training camp anyways. White’s presence looms even more important given the uncertainty surrounding Hairston. They’ll now need White to be closer to the player he was before two devastating leg injuries and a year away from One Bills Drive.

HARD KNOX

Tight end Dawson Knox practiced in some capacity Thursday for the first time this training camp after tweaking his hamstring before camp started. He’s been working his way back over the past week, and did not participate in team reps on Thursday. Zack Davidson and rookie Jackson Hawes have been trying to make the most of their opportunities while Knox has recovered, but the Bills should be glad to see No. 88 back on the field. Davidson and Hawes both caught TD passes from Allen on Day 7, although the Hawes play might have been flagged for an offensive penalty.

COLEMAN STOCK RISING

Keon Coleman continues to ascend during training camp, with the wide receiver noticeably making plays. That included a fantastic touchdown catch during 7-on-7 red zone reps as he hauled in a laser from Allen as he ran to toward the end zone sideline. He was also in on a short touchdown run for James Cook, serving as a blocker on the interior of the play. The Bills have asked more of Coleman in Year 2, and if training camp is any indication, they’ve gotten it so far.

BISHOP BANGED UP

Safety Cole Bishop was held out of practice Thursday with a quad injury. He’s been solid in his spot as he tries to take over as one of the starting safeties, but injuries have cost him valuable time throughout his first two years in the NFL. OL Alec Anderson is considered week-to-week after having his knee scoped. Elijah Moore, Tyrell Shavers, KJ Hamler and DeWayne Carter returned to practice.