The Bills returned to the practice field on Sunday after their first break of training camp at St. John Fisher University. It was their final practice before putting on their pads on Monday. 

COLEMAN HAS A BIG DAY

Keon Coleman had a strong practice on Sunday, working to make catches on the short, intermediate and deep throws and in the red zone. 

There were several plays where he hauled in the pass even when there was not a ton of space, using his size and physicality. That’s something he needs to continue to do as he works on refining his route running and trying to become a better separator from defenders. On one play in the red zone, he rose up to catch the ball over Ja’Marcus Ingram on a back shoulder throw from Josh Allen in the left front corner of the end zone. Coleman has had a share of good moments and some he’d like to have back throughout camp, but Sunday was perhaps his best outing yet. 

INGRAM SHINES

While CB Ja’Marcus Ingram was on the wrong end of that TD to Coleman, he came right back on a 2-point conversion try on the next play and broke up a fade pass to Coleman in almost the exact same spot where the previous touchdown happened. Ingram had perhaps the play of the day in 11-on-11 reps, jumping in front of a seam pass to tight end Zack Davidson for an interception near the goal line. The former UB Bulls standout had his biggest flash day of camp as he battles for a spot. 

SHAVERS INJURED AND CARTED OFF

WR Tyrell Shavers caught a touchdown pass on what turned out to the final play of practice on a shallow cross. Rookie CB Maxwell Hairston was trailing him in coverage and continued into Shavers, who then went down grabbing his leg. Trainers, teammates and coaches all gathered around him in support before he was helped onto the back of a cart to leave the field. The Bills said it was an ankle injury for Shavers. 

INJURIES ADDING UP

WR Curtis Samuel and LB Terrel Bernard both missed practice Sunday with hamstring injuries. In addition to Shavers, fellow WR Elijah Moore had general leg soreness. TE Dawson Knox continues to work his way back from a tweaked hamstring, jogging and working with trainers on the back practice field. OT Spencer Brown (back) was spotted standing with teammates during practice, as he is yet to participate in camp. LB Dorian Williams (calf) did not practice for the second straight session. DE AJ Epenesa (ankle) did return to the field after leaving Thursday’s practice early and sitting out Friday. 

BACKUP MLB BATTLE

With Bernard and Williams both out on Sunday, it was Baylon Spector who took more of the first-team reps as the next man up at middle linebacker next to Matt Milano. In the first couple of days of camp, Joe Andreessen seemed like he was first in line behind Bernard. While Andreessen also took some first team snaps on Sunday, it will be interesting to see who wins the job to be at the top of the list if Bernard goes down. 

BASS HAS A DOWN DAY

Kicker Tyler Bass went 4-for-8 on his field goal tries during the special teams period on Sunday. He missed several from the 40+ yard range and another from about 50 yards. There was some rain and wind while Bass was kicking, but it was not his best showing. He’s also continuing to work with a new holder in punter Brad Robbins. 

SECONDARY ROTATION

Perhaps the most-discussed positional battles leading into training camp were at cornerback and safety. Cole Bishop has been the clubhouse leader to take the safety job next to Taylor Rapp to this point, and has looked solid in doing so. Damar Hamlin and Darrick Forrest have also taken some reps with the top unit and have been fine in their play with any group they’re on the field with. Tre’Davoius White continues to have a slight edge over Hairston for the CB2 spot. The rookie Hairston has shown good flashes but will continue to work on his consistency. White is seeking to regain the form he had prior to a pair of devastating leg injuries and a season away from Orchard Park, and has been sturdy in his role. It’s a good option to have for the Bills while Hairston learns the ropes in his first year.

COOK SHOWS HIS HANDS

RB James Cook told reporters last week that he wants to be more involved in the Bills passing game and on third downs. He’s made several nice catches during training camp, including a great grab on a pass from Josh Allen, who scrambled to his left under pressure and found Cook, who pulled in the ball and did a nice job getting both feet inbounds along the left sideline.

PADS COME ON

We’ll get a better feel for the Bills running game and the play of the offensive and defensive lines when they put the pads on for the first time on Monday. That said, I thought Greg Rousseau and Ed Oliver had a good day stuffing the run and pushing the pocket. Those two playing up to their potential and improving from very good to great could unlock another level for the Bills defense this season.