The Buffalo Bills appear to have avoided a potentially devastating injury to C.J. Gardner-Johnson. In this bonus weekend episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran shares his firsthand observations from the third day of Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University.

Patrick begins with the biggest story from Saturday’s practice: Gardner-Johnson suffering a non-contact lower-leg injury. Although the scene initially created fears of a torn Achilles, the injury was diagnosed as a lower-calf strain. Gardner-Johnson could still miss time, but the news was a major relief considering how impressive he looked during the opening practices.

If Gardner-Johnson is sidelined for several weeks, Geno Stone appears to be the next safety in line. Stone immediately replaced him with the starting defense and had already been receiving work in Buffalo’s dime packages. Patrick discusses Stone’s quietly encouraging start to camp and why his roster position appears more secure.

The Bills offense finally produced several crowd-pleasing moments after two relatively uneventful practices. Josh Allen connected with Josh Palmer for the play of the day—a deep completion down the left sideline that would likely have resulted in a touchdown. Palmer continues to look fast, fluid and healthy while consistently catching nearly everything thrown his way.

Dalton Kincaid also made an impressive catch down the left sideline after beating Cole Bishop. Kincaid looks healthy, quick and comfortable through three practices, displaying the effortless hands that have consistently stood out during training camp. Ty Johnson followed with another sizable reception in the same area of the field.

Buffalo also experimented with some creative offensive concepts, including a double-reverse flea-flicker that ultimately became a short screen with multiple blockers in front. Rookie receiver Skyler Bell received another end-around opportunity and continues to intrigue Patrick with his route-running, movement and ability to potentially contribute at multiple levels of the field.

It was another quiet practice for Keon Coleman, but Patrick stresses that Coleman has not necessarily done anything wrong. He has continued working hard, running his routes and avoiding major mistakes; the football simply has not come his way very often during the past two practices.

The starting right guard competition remains legitimate. Alec Anderson and Austin Corbett continue alternating series with the first-team offense. Anderson may have a slight advantage, but Corbett remains firmly involved and no winner has emerged.

Patrick also explains why the poor play of backup quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele is becoming increasingly concerning. Beyond the possibility of Josh Allen missing a few games, their inaccurate throws are making it difficult to properly evaluate receivers, tight ends and defensive backs near the bottom of the roster.

On defense, Terrel Bernard returned without limitations and participated fully in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 work. His return is encouraging, although his ability to remain healthy remains one of the defense’s most important questions. Dorian Williams participated in full-speed seven-on-seven drills but was held out of competitive 11-on-11 work as the Bills continued easing him back.

Rookie linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr has handled a heavy workload throughout camp. Although he has not produced many splash plays yet, his intensity and work ethic have been impossible to miss. Patrick expects a clearer evaluation of the linebackers and linemen once the pads come on.

Two rookie defensive backs have emerged as early camp standouts. Fifth-round safety Jalon Kilgore recorded the defensive play of the day with a diving interception and has consistently made plays on the football. Gardner-Johnson’s injury could create an opportunity for Kilgore to receive more work with the second-team defense—or possibly even some first-team snaps.

Undrafted cornerback Kenny Walker has been another pleasant surprise. Walker has stayed tight in coverage, produced multiple pass breakups and appears to be ahead of seventh-round pick Toriano Pride Jr. in the competition for a reserve boundary-cornerback role. Even if Walker does not make the initial 53-man roster, he is establishing himself as a strong practice-squad candidate.

Second-round rookie Davison Igbinosun has experienced a more uneven opening to camp. He made a quality pass breakup against DJ Moore but was also beaten by Palmer on Saturday’s deep completion. Patrick is not alarmed, but the anticipated competition between Igbinosun and Maxwell Hairston has not materialized yet. Hairston has received all the first-team work and appears firmly positioned to start if he remains healthy.

There is not much to take away from the offensive and defensive lines until padded practices begin. However, Landon Jackson has entered the defensive-line rotation early in several sequences and could challenge T.J. Sanders for playing time. Michael Hoecht has also practiced without noticeable limitations for two consecutive days, which is an encouraging sign for his recovery.

On special teams, Mitch Wishnowsky handled the punting duties and performed well while working on attempts from inside midfield. Mecole Hardman muffed an uncontested punt, adding more pressure to his roster candidacy. Keon Coleman received the first punt-return opportunity and remains Patrick’s current favorite to handle that role in Week 1.

The Bills have conducted relatively short and controlled practices through the first three days, emphasizing installation and workload management. Patrick views that positively and believes keeping players healthy should remain the priority, even as the intensity increases when the pads come on.

Patrick will attend all four remaining practices at St. John Fisher, along with the Return of the Blue & Red practice and the later open practice at Highmark Stadium. Talking Buffalo will continue delivering firsthand observations throughout camp.

Joe Marino of Locked On Bills will join Patrick for a live podcast at Sonny Red’s, located at 1841 Abbott Road, on Tuesday, August 4 at 8:00 p.m. Fans can attend in person or watch live on YouTube, Facebook and X.

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