Bills news: Recapping Return of the Blue & Red

The 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

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