This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesThis is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesThe bison sculptures sit in Family Circle outside Highmark Stadium home to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, July 23, 2026.(Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News via Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills’ first public event inside their new, state-of-the-art Highmark Stadium occurred Saturday night, when the team did drills and held an inter-squad scrimmage during their annual Return of the Blue & Red practice.
More than 51,000 Bills fans took advantage of their first chance to see the Bills’ new stadium in person, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with news and observations from the Return of the Blue & Red practice, a night that featured plenty of fireworks—including terrific touchdown tosses from Josh Allen to Khalil Shakir and Allen to DJ Moore during the scrimmage portion—both on and off the field.
Were you among the Bills Mafia members in attendance? Check out the assessments and then be sure to leave your thoughts on the new stadium experience in the comments section.
Fans get first look at new Highmark Stadium
On a night filled with plenty of excitement, it was Jim Leonhard’s defense that came up with the biggest splash plays early on. Making his new Highmark Stadium “debut,” Josh Allen was picked off by Buffalo’s defense four times, with Cole Bishop, Christian Benford, Damar Hamlin and Dee Alford coming away with interceptions of the former NFL MVP.
But Allen bounced back nicely and closed off the night with some phenomenal throws, including a picture-perfect dart to DJ Moore that went for 35 yards, a laser beam on a deep throw to Khalil Shakir for a TD, and a nifty TD toss to Dawson Knox late in the practice.
Who else stood out? Cole Bishop, defensive back Jordan Hancock, and nickel corner Dee Alford made several big plays; Tyler Bass was a perfect 8-for-8 on field goal tries; running back James Cook rattled off a few big runs going up against Buffalo’s starting defense; defensive tackle Deone Walker disrupted a few plays along the line of scrimmage; and running back Ty Johnson and center Connor McGovern suffered apparent leg injuries and had to leave practice.
Bills Open Highmark Stadium: Cole Bishop Shines, Josh Allen Throws 4 INTs in Scrimmage – newyorkupstate.com
Bills debut new Highmark Stadium with Return of Blue and Red – WGRZ
Injury scares, Allen INTs mar debut of new Buffalo Bills stadium – Democrat & Chronicle
What we’re hearing and seeing at Bills training camp: ‘Return of the Blue and Red’ held in new stadium – ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog
Bills couldn’t catch a break at debut of new $2.2B Highmark Stadium – Democrat & Chronicle
Bills show off new stadium, new uniforms – WGR 550
Return of Blue & Red | Bills players reaction to Highmark Stadium, practice observations – BuffaloBills.com
Bills’ Ty Johnson Injury Scare: RB Leaves Red & Blue Scrimmage With Trainers – newyorkupstate.com
Ty Johnson, Connor McGovern leave practice with injuries – WGR 550
Joe Brady Has No Update on Connor McGovern, Ty Johnson Bills’ Blue & Red Injuries – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
Bills stock report: Who’s up, who’s down after two weeks of practice? – The Athletic (subscription required)
Chubb and Moore feel the energy and love inside new stadium – WGR 550
Dawson Knox Discusses Return of the Blue & Red At Highmark Stadium – BuffaloBills.com
Video: Discover what’s new inside Bills stadium as fans get their first look – newyorkupstate.com
Fans’ first reaction to Highmark Stadium at the Return of the Blue and Red practice – WGRZ
Bills show off bold new look during first event in their bold new stadium – WGRZ
Best Features of Buffalo Bills’ New Stadium Following Scrimmage – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
Even more Bills news
Examining how safety Cole Bishop is poised to enjoy a breakout season in Jim Leonhard’s defensive scheme; plus, rookie safety Jalen Kilgore is using his fall in the NFL Draft as motivation to prove the doubters wrong; defensive linemen Michael Hoecht and DeWayne Carter describe how they’ve worked their way back onto the field following Achilles’ injuries; discussing what the Bills could potentially receive in a Keon Coleman trade; and more!
Bills’ DeWayne Carter grateful to be back on field as he returns from Achilles tear – WGRZ
Bills president on new stadium tailgating concerns: ‘Nothing has really changed’ – Democrat & Chronicle
Five NFL trades that make too much sense: Which teams should make deals over the next month? – ESPN.com
Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings
O’Cyrus Torrence’s new deal represents a first for Bills under Beane – Buffalo Rumblings
Examining the homegrown contract extensions of Brandon Beane era – Buffalo Rumblings
Now that Torrence is done, who is signing the next contract extension with the Bills? – Buffalo Rumblings
Austin Corbett has the talent to win the starting LG role in 2026 – Buffalo Rumblings
Plays That Defined 2025: New York Jets, Week 18 – Buffalo Rumblings
This former Chiefs CB is a long shot to make the roster – Buffalo Rumblings
Can you guess this Bills player acquired via trade? – Buffalo Rumblings
Feed Post of the Day: Is this why injuries were down at Bills training camp? – Buffalo Rumblings
Join the conversation!
Fewer ads in our articles
Create your own community posts
You get to comment on articles and community posts
Rec comment and community posts
Ignore commenters you don’t want to read
Get notifications when folks interact with you (the bell in the upper corner)
Track your activity on the account page
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.