Keon Coleman another BIG day, injuries pile up on Day 4 of Bills training camp

Keon Coleman another BIG day, injuries pile up on Day 4 of Bills training camp

Welcome to Buffalo Preview, your source for live Buffalo football discussion, news, analysis, opinions, and more presented by ASM Publications and Bill’s Digest. Hello everybody and welcome to Buffalo pregame. Another episode on this day four of Bill’s training camp. And what a day it was for Keon Coleman. He’s really been the story of training camp thus far, whether it be his successes or failures. And boy, there was a lot of success on Sunday at St. John Fischer University. But I’m your host, Alex Brasi, here for Bill’s Digest and ASM Publications each week on Buffalo pregame. I’ll provide updates on the NFL, NHL, and more via daily articles, podcast videos, and more. Please subscribe to Buffalo pregame with Alex Brasy on YouTube or wherever you get your podcast along with Buffalo pregame with Alex Brasi on Substack. Both of which are free of charge. All right, let’s get into it. I’ve caught my breath after a quick start to training camp. I’m not necessarily the best morning person, but as the week last week went on and we got into the weekend, got a day off, woke up today and headed out to St. John Fischer. I’m starting to get into the groove of things, feeling things a little bit, a little bit more energy on these podcasts. So happy to bring you the inside scoop from St. John Fischer University today. And the story was Keon Coleman. There’s been flashes of brilliance along with flashes of inconsistencies for Coleman throughout the start of camp. And on day one, he matched up with Christian Benford extensively, the Bills top quarterback. And let’s be honest, Coleman struggled a little bit. He he struggled to gain the separation from Christian Benford. And Benford, his ability at the cornerback position is amongst the best in the league. So being matched up against him, no matter what wide receiver you are, it’s going to be a difficult day. And day one proved to be as much for Keon Coleman. But if you look at his day two and today, day four, two phenomenal, almost flawless days for Keon Coleman. Day three, a little bit hot and cold. Had a couple drops toward the end of practice, but he started practice well on day three Friday. Day off seemed to serve him well. Josh Allen was targeting Keon Coleman early and often throughout practice on Sunday. And Coleman, not only making the catches, but getting open over the field, I think, has been something he’s improved upon this training camp. And I think that’s such a big thing for him, clearly because of the talk about the separation. But he’s a physical player that can win contested catches, but if he’s able to run free in the open field and present himself as a wide openen target, that can elevate his game to a different level. It’s tough to constantly rely on those 50/50 catches and we saw a couple of them today. I think I had a bad angle on the Jammarcus Ingram play that is circulating on social media. It looked like I was on the far side. It looked like Coleman went up with Ingram and snatched it away from him. But really, it was a great body adjustment on somewhat of a back shoulder throw from Josh Allen up high. Coleman went up to get it. Gave Ingram no chance. And that’s what Coleman’s known for, that above the rim ability. Former basketball player at Michigan State University. So, I think with Coleman, this is what you’re going to see, especially early in his career. You’re going to see those flashes of brilliance. You’re going to see some inconsistencies. This is a young player, a player who has a high ceiling, but has a lot of development to do. So, I think as time goes on, you’re going to see better and better from Keon Coleman. And today was really his shining moment. I thought his best practice that I’ve seen as a pro, and I’ve seen every single one of Keon Coleman’s practices these past two years. And today, he was all over the field making catches, making splash plays. Another one against Dorian Strong down the opposite sideline also for a touchdown. Beat Dorian Strong. Strong was forced to grab some jersey, try to catch up. Coleman said, “No, no, no, no, no. Was able to make the reception.” Anyhow, it was just a great day for Keon Coleman. And you have to take this in the proper context. It is training camp and teams are working on things, working to get players a little bit more involved than others. And I think the Bills have made a concerted effort to develop that connection between Josh Allen and Keon Coleman. But if you’re to judge things based off of the targets these receivers are taking during training camp. Keon Coleman’s in line for wide receiver two level production. And I think he was on his way there last year before the injuries. Finished the year second in receiving yards, third in receptions, but just missed second by a few. Curtis Samuel, Matt Collins I think with 31. Coleman with 29 on the year last year. I think 50 60 receptions is reasonable for Keon Coleman this year if he’s able to stay healthy. Second round pick. Bills are going to try to get him get him involved and he’s really starting to develop. It wasn’t all bad for Jammarcus Ingram on the day. It hasn’t been the strongest training camp for him. I think he’s been in the background of some other defensive backs who have kind of taken a step forward and obviously you have Max Haristen and Tradavius White competing for cornerback too. Cam Lewis has strung a few good days together, but today Jamarcus Ingram maybe the play of training camp. It was certainly the play of the day. Zack Davidson open over the middle, but Ingram able to read the play, spring into action, extend and rush over, make a diving play on an interception to take it away from Zack Davidson, who’s seen a lot of work with the first team with Dawson Knox out. But it was a big play for Jamarcus Ingram, somebody who’s really been in the background when it comes to this quarterback conversation. but perhaps trying to insert himself into the discussion with an interception on Sunday. Ingram last year in spurts made some big plays for the Bills, especially early in the year. Couple of takeaways leading to victories for the Bills. He’s got a long road to a roster spot, particularly a contributing role on this roster. But if he can string together days like he had on Sunday, he lost Keon Coleman a little bit on that pylon grab, but the interception mighty mighty impressive from Jamarcus Ingram trying to work his way through a crowded cornerback room. And we mentioned Cam Lewis. He’s really come on strong as of late. Early in the practice, it had Coleman or excuse me, Lewis deep down the middle. I think it was against Keon Coleman. I couldn’t quite get a good look at the receiver, but it looked like he was beaten on the play and able to come in and get the pass breakup. And you’ve seen, I think, three or four pass breakups or welldefended plays from Cam Lewis the past two practices. and a player with versatility in that defensive back room, a quarterback safety. He’s certainly had a strong couple of days. And speaking of Strong, Dorian Strong coming up with somewhat of a splash play on Sunday, reaching in, forcing a fumble on a pass down the field to Zack Davidson. Davidson came up with it initially, but Strong was able to get a hand in there, punch it out, and that’s got to be a good sign for this Bill’s coaching staff. They’ve stressed taking the ball away so much in recent seasons. And Bobby Babich, defensive coordinator at the podium on Friday, expressed that he wanted to see more in terms of aggressive style of play from his defensive back room. And he’s seen it over these past two practices. Taylor Rap with three interceptions on Friday, Jammarcus Ingram with an interception, and Dorian Strong with the punch out down the field. and Strong is he’s as pro ready as you’ll see a rookie quarterback come into the league in terms of his mechanics his his coverage ability but to see some of these splash moments from him reaching in knocking this ball away forced fumble on Zack Davidson and also to see him working as a gunner on special teams that’s going to give him a good chance to make this team and not only make the team but contribute in one way or the other. We all saw how Christian Benford, a late round pick, came on, established himself within this defensive scheme. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the same thing from Dorian Strong. It might not come as quickly with Max Haristen and Tradavius White clearly competing for that quarterback two role early in training camp, but as time goes along, I think you might find it tough to keep Dorian strong off the field. Really, one of the main stories today at Bill’s training camp were the injuries and a scary moment at the end of practice when Tyrell’s shavers near the front right pylon went down in a heap, clutching at his ankle, later being carted off the field. Not a good sign for Shavers, but it was later reported that it was a low ankle sprain, something that is not expected to be significant. So, that is good news. But if he’s to miss any time, that could really set him back in his chase to make this roster. It’s a crowded wide receiver room. Elijah Moa also held out a bit today with lower with general leg soreness, I should say. So you have Curtis Samuel, you have Tyrell Shavers, you have Elijah Moore, you have Lisa Chenol who remains on the pup list. More on him later. This wide receiver room, granted at the back end is a little bit banged up here through the first few days of training camp. Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer have remained healthy, but Elijah Moore, did I say Elijah Moore? Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Joshua Palmer. Yeah, I think I said that. Elijah Moore though, his injury a little bit concerning. Just general leg soreness though, so I don’t want to get my panties in a bunch. But Lisa Chanel trying to make the team both as a receiver and a kick/punt returner, not able to practice the past several days. And then Curtis Samuel missing his second consecutive practice with a hamstring injury. And we all know about the extensive injury history with Curtis Samuel. Missed a lot of time and was hampered by a toe injury throughout the course of last season. Hamstring injury. Not a good sign for Curtis Samuel after he was coming on in training camp. He had put together a couple of nice days Friday. Had a couple early receptions to help set the tone for the offense. So to see him go out, not a good sign for him. Obviously not a good sign for just or excuse me, Tyrell Shavers and Lisa Chanel. I almost called Tyrell Shavers Justin Sharter. They always uh blended together in my mind when Justin Sharter was here. But little bit of a concern in the wide receiver room and and really injuries overall. If you look at the injuries that the Bills have sustained, you had Terrell Bernard and Somebody else held out today. Let’s see. Yeah. Terrell Bernard held out with a hamstring injury. There was another player held out, too. I don’t have it here. I I I want to say maybe the other one was Curtis Samuel. Maybe this was his first practice miss. There’s a list of injuries here. Yes. Yes. It it was Bernard and Samuel who were announced today with hamstring injuries. Previously, you had Dorian Williams and AJ Epanza leave practice on Friday. That’s what it was. I I confused Samuel with one of those two. So, Terrell Bernard, Curtis Samuel held out of Sunday’s practice with hamstring injuries. I did see Terrell Bernard on the field talking with Terren Johnson also held out of Sunday’s practice due to a veteran rest day. It’s Terren Johnson’s birthday today, so happy birthday, Terren Johnson. But also, you had AJ Epanessa and Dorian Williams misspractice on Friday. Epanessa returned to action today. Dorian Williams remained sideline. Saw him in a walking boot on Friday. So, it could be something relatively significant for him. And then of course you have Dawson Knox on the non-foot injury list. Spencer Brown on the pup list. Cedric Vanrant Granger on the pup list. Lisca Chenult on the pup list. Knox with a hamstring. Brown with a back. Van Fran Granger with a calf. Chenult with a leg. Knox Brown and Chanel all working off to the side with athletic trainers during Sunday’s practice which was a good sign. They could be nearing a return. I heard that there was a report. I did not see this, so I can’t confirm it, that Cedric Van Brand Granger was on somewhat of a scooter nursing that calf injury. So hopefully it’s not an Achilles injury for Cedric Van Brand Granger, supposed to be the backup center this year. With Brown out at right tackle, you had Ryan Vandermark with the first team. Looks like Tylon Greybel has the leg up in terms of the swing tackle role, but Ryan Vandermark still getting his time out there with the first team. But you did have Dorian Williams remaining sidelined. And with him and Bernard both banged up, I don’t expect both are our long-term injuries, but at the same time, we haven’t been provided clarity by head coach Shawn McDermott. So unknown on both of those fronts. The linebacker room is now depending on Matt Milano, the oftured as of late veteran linebacker. He’s looked mighty impressive. You watch him go through individual drills and he seems to have some of that burst back that he may have lost sustaining a couple of critical injuries the last year, leaving him sidelined for extended time. It looks like he’s got a little bit of that burst back and they’re going to need it, especially if Terrell Bernard and Dorian Williams are going to be out for extended time. But it seems like Bernard could be back soon, maybe a little bit longer for Williams. But it’s certainly a good sign to see Matt Milano out there showing glimpses of the Matt Milano of old. AJ Appanessa back on the field today and that was a good sign. Taran Johnson not only not the only birthday boy at Bill’s training camp today as Brandon Bean, general manager, also celebrating his birthday. 49 for Brandon Bean. And one thing with Brandon Bean that I’ve noticed over the years, this is kind of off the beaten path, but he might have the largest calves I’ve seen from a non-athlete in my entire life. The man is not a big man by any stretch of the imagination, but his calves rival that of Deion Dawkins, who athlete or not, I think has the biggest calves I’ve ever seen in my life. Whoever created Deion Dawkins calves, I don’t know what they were thinking there, but those things are massive. So, I think we’ve really touched on most of everything. This might be a little bit shorter of a pod today. Usually try to go about 30 minutes. Today might be about 20 minutes. It’s a Sunday, though. I deserve a little little time to myself. But the last thing I’d touch on is Tyler Bass, four of eight on his field goal attempts. I had him missing kicks from 40, 43, 46, and 51 yards. making kicks from 30, 33, 43, and 51 yards. It was raining though, so you have to take that into proper context. Not only was it was it raining by the end of his field goal session, it was pouring rain at high at uh St. John Fischer uh University. So, you work through a new holder with Brad Robbins. There seemed to be some miscommunications there between Robbins and long snapper Reed Ferguson on a couple of those. So, you have to take everything into account the conditions working in this new holder. Let’s not start freaking out about Tyler Bass again. We We spent all off season and training camp last year and the beginning of the season worrying about him. Let’s not do this again. Let’s not do this again. If these issues persist, then maybe there’s something to talk about. But it’s one day, four of eight. He was automatic his first day kicking field goals, not in the rain. So, let’s not freak out about Tyler Bass’s rough day today. But truly, I I think that that’s about it here. Although, I will make a comment on the quarterback 2 situation. And I guess we’ll leave you with this before we sign off. It’s going to be Tradavius White as the starter on week one. I I am almost 100% positive of that. Max Haristston, he had that big play, I think it was on day one, recovering, knocking the ball away from KJ Hamler. Other than that, it’s been very hoham for Max Haristston. He’s not showing consistent flashes out there. Not somebody who seems ready to force the Bills hand in terms of who they’re going to start at that position. And as we’ve seen from the Bills, if you don’t have a young player force your hand, they’re going to go with the experience. And I think within that conversation, they’re going to go with the experience in Tradavius White. And not only the experience, he’s been pretty solid at training camp thus far. He’s going to get beaten every once in a while when he goes up against a speed guy. doesn’t have the same speed as he had as a young Trey White, but I I like what I’ve seen from him and the confidence is there for him. He’s, as I said yesterday, he’s not tentative out there with the injuries. He’s full go operating full efficacy and it’s been impressive to watch him work. But I think that’s about it from day four at Bill’s training camp. a little bit of an abbreviated conversation today. Hey, I got to make time to watch Happy Gilmore, too. So, got to make sure all my ducks in a row. But very appreciative of everybody following along with my coverage throughout training camp Buffalo pregame with Alex Brasy on YouTube, Substack, and wherever you get your podcast. Please like, share, subscribe, rate, whatever you have to do to help spread the word. For whatever reason, Bills Digest, which is the official publication of the Buffalo Bills and also linked to bybuffalo Bills.com, weren’t credentialed this year. This is like my my Nick Young meme face. I don’t know if I did that right. Just doesn’t really uh make sense to me. Doesn’t sit very well with me. But there’s nothing that’s going to stop us from bringing you prime coverage here on Buffalo pregame. myself, Dr. Kyle Trimble, got a couple of other additions in the works. So, be sure to stay tuned to Buffalo pregame. You can’t miss this stuff every day if you want to follow. Not only the Bills, we had a Sabres episode earlier on the podcast with Owen Parker of WGR550, the giant goalie son as he’s been affectionately known. So, be sure to check that out and be sure to check out all of our past episodes and articles on Buffalo pregame. But I’d like to thank you for joining us. Your support means everything to me. And we’ll see you next time. [Music]

Keon Coleman may have had his best practice as a pro on Sunday at Bills training camp. On the negative side of things, injuries have started to pile up.

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