AFC East
Buffalo Bills
AI Summary
Buffalo enters 2026 in a new era after firing Sean McDermott following a gutting divisional-round overtime loss to Denver, promoting longtime OC Joe Brady to head coach and installing first-time NFL defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard to overhaul the defense. Josh Allen, a 2025 MVP finalist coming off 3,668 yards and 25 total passing/rushing scores, remains the engine of the offense and now has a reunion with Brady's old Carolina weapon, WR DJ Moore, acquired via trade to fix an inconsistent 2025 receiver room. The Bills debuted their new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium with a 29-14 preseason win over Carolina, and oddsmakers have them tied with Baltimore as the second-best Super Bowl favorite behind the Rams. Camp has been shadowed by a string of lower-body injuries across the roster as Brady pushes an 'extremely tough' first camp as head coach.
Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026
Key Storylines
- Sean McDermott fired after nine seasons; OC Joe Brady promoted to head coach on a five-year deal
- First-time NFL defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard hired to replace McDermott's longtime scheme
- Traded a 2026 second-round pick to Chicago for WR DJ Moore, reuniting him with Brady from their Carolina days
- Opened brand-new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium with a 29-14 preseason win over Carolina, Josh Allen leading scoring drives
- Camp battles at left guard (Austin Corbett vs. Alec Anderson) and backup QB (Kyle Allen vs. Shane Buechele) amid a wave of lower-body injuries
Injury Report
Khalil Shakir · WR
Out
Held out of the joint practice with Cleveland and Preseason Week 2 with an injury, per HC Joe Brady (Aug. 20).
Ed Oliver · DT
Out
Sidelined for the joint practice with Cleveland and Preseason Week 2 with an injury, per HC Joe Brady (Aug. 20).
Dawson Knox · TE
NFI list
Started camp on the Non-Football Injury list with a hamstring issue; missed the first week and has been easing back into practice.
Maxwell Hairston · CB
Questionable
Dealing with a lower-body/knee injury that has limited him for stretches of camp.