The Buffalo Bills are preparing for their first padded session of training camp, and before they begin, head coach Sean McDermott delivered an injury update to the reporters in attendance.
Three players will be unable to compete owing to injuries. Safety Mike Edwards has a hamstring problem, and McDermott said he is “week to week.” Wideout Chase Claypool has an ankle issue, which McDermott described as “day to day.” Finally, offensive lineman Mike Edwards is undergoing concussion protocol. McDermott also announced that three players who are projected to play significant roles in the 2024 regular season will earn veteran rest days. Von Miller, Matt Milano, and Taron Johnson are the three players in question.
The major news here is Mike Edwards, the experienced free agency acquisition, who is anticipated to compete for a starting safety position this season. Following the departure of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, Buffalo is looking for two new starting safety. A hamstring issue does not necessarily rule Edwards out of the competition—remember, linebacker Terrel Bernard missed all three preseason games last season due to a hamstring injury—but it does allow Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin to shine in his absence.
Claypool was hurt on the first day of camp, but he has attended every session since. Given the early stage of the process, this is most likely a preventative measure. Miller is the oldest player on the roster, Johnson is the team’s longest-tenured cornerback, and Milano is recovering from a devastating leg injury sustained last season.
What Bills Fans Should Know About the 2023 Community Benefits Annual Report.
As part of the Community Benefits Agreement (“CBA”) between the Buffalo Bills, Erie County, and the Erie County Stadium Corporation, the Bills committed more than $3.6 million to assist Buffalo and Western New York’s social, educational, and economic health. The CBA seeks to ensure that all segments of the local community participate in the economic opportunities associated with the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the New Highmark Stadium, which is currently under construction and will open to fans for the 2026 NFL season.
Under the CBA, the Buffalo Bills made a clear commitment to the community. The Bills will make an annual Community Investment of about $3 million to improve Buffalo and Western New York’s social, educational, and economic health. The 30-plus-year commitment will cost more than $110 million to further these initiatives.
“Representing the Pegula family and the Buffalo Bills, we extend our gratitude to everyone who contributes to making our community a better place to live and work.”
In 2023, the Buffalo Bills’ Community Investment amounted to $3,682,553. This total included $1,760,934 allocated for Community and Civic Programs, $1,454,631 for Economic Development, and $466,988 for Youth and Education. The goals of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) encompass promoting workforce inclusion and diversity, adhering to Prevailing Wage and Living Wage standards, increasing supplier diversity, prioritizing local businesses for contracts, and supporting initiatives related to affordable housing, food insecurity, educational access, social justice, and mental health in Erie County. Additionally, the Bills made commitments to local civic and other organizations. The team expressed gratitude to everyone helping to meet the needs of the Western New York community.
