CHICAGO — The Buffalo Bills cranked up the intensity for their joint practice against the Bears in Chicago, where several players popped as they went head-to-head with their next preseason opponent.

Offensively, wide receiver Curtis Samuel’s been banged up but was back practicing for the first time in a while, doing only individual drills. Bills head coach Sean McDermott didn’t mince words about what they need from Samuel as roster decisions loom.  

“He’s been out really most of camp. The urgency needs to be there for all these guys and Curtis is no different. We need to see how he fits into our offense this year,” said McDermott. “Availability is important, as well as special teams. When you’re not wide receiver No. 1, that’s true of everyone.”

#Bills WR Curtis Samuel returned to practice in limited fashion after missing much of camp. Sean McDermott had a clear message about Samuel.

“The urgency needs to be there for all these guys and Curtis no different.”#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/nPa3v5XwZb

— Andy Young (@AndyYoungTV) August 15, 2025

Speaking of receivers, Elijah Moore had a nice practice with several catches from quarterback Josh Allen.

Wideout Keon Coleman had perhaps the play of the day offensively, on a nice move to beat his defender for a touchdown pass in stride from Allen.

“Just knowing where he wants me at, what type of ball he likes to throw, what type of ball I like to catch, what’s best for each one of us and let’s make it unguardable,” said Coleman.

Keon Coleman just had a filthy route that led to a TD from Josh Allen. He had a short hesitation then cooked his guy for a TD catch in stride into the endzone.

— Andy Young (@AndyYoungTV) August 15, 2025

On defense, the Bills probably gave up too many completions early, but the pass rush really ramped it up, with Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau each coming up with would-be sacks of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. 

“I feel like that’s what camp’s all about. Kind of having that chemistry, the feel for what he likes to do, what I like to do and just kind of being able to go out there and just gel,” said Rousseau. “Days like this go a long way. I feel like we definitely are taking steps and we’ve just got to keep doing that until the season comes.”

There’s no word yet on if Josh Allen and the rest of the starters will play against the Bears Sunday night.