It was overcast and deliciously cool at the start of practice Thursday morning; and by 11:30 the first of Debby’s muggy air overtook Pittsford. Not a moment of practice at Fisher was impacted by rain in 2024! In a difficult ticket environment without media credentials, Dean and I were able to keep his tradition of daily camp notes from Fisher alive.
Many thanks to those who shared extra tickets with us. Relying on the kindness of BillsMafia has always served us well. I also want to thank the many volunteers at Fisher who make this possible. I have never encountered a more consistently cheerful group anywhere else with the possible exception of the PGA. I’m biased, but Rochester is a special place.
The last session at Fisher is usually short and sweet; the morning guys at WGR likened it to the last day of school. The growing list of non-participants was one of the stories; most notable additions today include KJ Hamler, Mack Hollins, and DaQuan Jones. The once empty bikes got plenty of use today.
We got a decent look at what might be the first special teams unit on kick returns, minus the missing Mack Hollins. My opinion has guys like Gilliam, Morris, and Spector making the team based on special teams. Noteworthy was seeing Zach Davidson working with the first unit.
None of the high emotions today in 11 v 11, and a few standouts besides Josh with the ones. Subbing for KJ Hamler, Andy Isabella showed he remains a nice depth piece at slot, even if it’s on the practice squad, He can’t seem to win the returner job, which blocks his path to the 53. Kincaid, Knox, and Davidson all ate today. But today was the best showcase of the entire two weeks plus at Fisher for Khalil Shakir. The speculation goes on how often he will get to line up at the Y…we got to see it a little today. Today’s play of the day was a deep completion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling…don’t write him off BillsMafia. Later, he caught a crossing route TD and a corner route TD back to back. Today more than any other session supported the possibility the Bills keep four TEs AND six WRs, even if a total of nine is more likely.
There wasn’t a lot to note of the defensive side of the ball Thursday. The continued good health of Milano and Miller is one of the most important takeaways from camp. I notice Javon Solomon more and more every day. I have 100% confidence in Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin opening day, but PLEASE keep them healthy. Dawuane Smoot continues to get snaps inside on passing downs, which may allow the Bills to go with 9 DL and keep that extra TE.
Can’t wait to see the roster battles take shape this Saturday vs the Bears!
Editor’s babble: Many thanks to Joe Reagan for his contributions to our blog. Joe and Dean Kindig are keeping us up to speed and we are grateful. You can also find Joe on Xwitter @joer869. Thanks!
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Huge thanks to you and Dean for the TC notes this summer, they are greatly appreciated! Go Bills!