A year ago at this time the team was embroiled in a controversy involving Stefon Diggs’ participation
The Buffalo Bills’ 2024 vintage of mandatory minicamp has begun, and with it comes little in the way of attendance drama — as the team’s roster is in-house and ready to go. The one exception is in regards to cornerback Christian Benford, who was provided an excused absence to attend to a personal matter.
Following a report by Sal Capaccio stating that cornerback Rasul Douglas was the only player absent voluntary Organized Team Activities, full participation void of tense and dramatic press conferences is a welcome change.
Sean McDermott said everyone is present for minicamp (except an excused absence for Benford).
— Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) June 11, 2024
You’ll recall, of course, that last year at this time, the Bills were holding strange and tersely worded pressers about the notable minicamp absence of wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Things would begin to settle down on day two of last summer’s minicamp, with Diggs back in the picture.
With Diggs no longer a part of the Buffalo Bills, having been traded to the Houston Texans, there’s plenty of room for a host of unheralded receivers to leave their mark. Aside from wide receiver Khalil Shakir, no one in the receivers room has caught a pass from quarterback Josh Allen in the regular season. To say the group is at an important crossroads Allen, is without doubt.
Initial observations would seem to reveal that every player wearing Bills-branded attire has bought in, and they’re 100% ready to go. The next step is building camaraderie and the all-important on-field team chemistry.
The biggest news from head coach Sean McDermott’s Tuesday press conference was the announcement that linebacker Matt Milano would practice in a limited capacity. However, McDermott also shared a lengthy list of players set to miss time on the field during minicamp.
Not practicing
- LB Dorian Williams
- LB Edefuan “Ede” Ulofoshio
- LB Nick Marrow
- LB Baylon Spector
- RB Ray Davis
- RB Ty Johnson
- FB Reggie Gilliam
Limited participants
- LB Matt Milano
- S Mike Edwards
- RT Spencer Brown