Bills wrap up minicamp with plenty of work for backups

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Thursday was the last chance for any Buffalo Bills player to make an impression on the coaching staff before the team heads off to training camp. A lot of the backup players and those fighting for roster spots got a good, long look and opportunity to leave one final impression.

Quarterback Josh Allen and many of the regular starters didn’t take any team reps in 11-on-11 work. Allen wore a headset with a play-calling sheet as offensive coordinator Joe Brady stood on the sidelines watching the unit.

Allen did take part in the early individual portion of practice, with the final play ending in a nice touchdown grab by rookie wideout Keon Coleman.

This time of year, plays are often scripted ahead of time, but it appeared Allen was sending in the calls as backups Mitch Trubisky and Shane Buechele got all of the work under center.

Both quarterbacks had touchdown passes during a red zone period.

First, it was Trubisky to wide receiver Tyrell Shaver, then Buechele to tight end Zach Davidson. Finally, it was Trubisky again throwing one, this time to tight end Quintin Morris.

The last pass came right after the defense had a solid stop, blanketing coverage across the field for an eventual incompletion.

Later, in 11-on-11 work, the Buechele-to-Davidson combination hit again for a touchdown.

Davidson has put together a strong offseason after spending last season on Injured Reserve.

Defensively, undrafted rookie free agent Te’Cory Couch has had a strong couple days, including an interception earlier in the week. On Thursday, he read a wide receiver screen, jumped in front of it, and got his hands on the pass to bat it down.

Attendance:

Quite a few players were, once again, held out with injury-related issues on Thursday.

After Thursday's session, general manager Brandon Beane said wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who missed the last two days after an injury on Tuesday, should be OK, and is hopefully every player should be either ready to start training camp, or close to it.

Next up:

Players will now be off until training camp begins at St. John Fisher University in Rochester in late July.