Bills offense gets deep ball going on Wednesday at mandatory minicamp

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - After a sub-par passing day on Tuesday at mandatory minicamp, the Buffalo Bills offense got back on track Wednesday, striking on several deep balls and long plays.

Quarterback Josh Allen was on the front end of two of them, including one early-on to K.J. Hamler, and another later to rookie Keon Coleman, who had to win a contested catch against cornerback Rasul Douglas.

Wide receiver Bryan Thompson also got into the act, getting deep down the sidelines and hauling in a beautifully thrown ball from quarterback Shane Buechele.

While it was an overall much better day for the offense, the defense made it's share of plays, including another interception from cornerback Kaiir Elam on a ball thrown by Allen.

That's the second interception in as many days for Elam, who is taking advantage of more reps with the absence of Christian Benford, who was excused from practice again.

Wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who left practice early on Tuesday, was on the sidelines watching Wednesday. He did not participate in practice, and had a long sleeve on his lower left leg.

Attendance/injuries

Once again linebackers Eddie Ulofoshio, Nicholas Morrow and Baylon Spector were held out of practice, as were running backs Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, as well as fullback Reggie Gilliam.

Linebacker Dorian Williams returned on a limited basis, joining linebacker Matt Milano, safety Mike Edwards and offensive tackle Spencer Brown with the same status.

Offensive lineman Will Clapp wasn't present on Wednesday, but tight end Dawson Knox said after the session that Clapp had a family issue he was tending to.

Also on-hand to watch the practice Wednesday were Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff and general manager Kevyn Adams. They spent most of the session on the sidelines with owner Terry Pegula.

Bass struggles

Kicker Tyler Bass, who made a wind-aided field goal from 70 yards a couple weeks ago, missed a pair of attempts between 35 and 45 yards on Wednesday. He did rebound to hit a couple from 45 and 50 yards out, but it wasn't a solid day overall.

Cook's hands

Running back James Cook has dropped a few passes this offseason during OTAs and minicamp, including one on Wednesday. Cook dropped some easier catches last season, and is expected to be a big part of the Bills' passing game again in 2024.