As the Buffalo Bills get ready to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night, the Bills held practice on Wednesday following their Week 12 bye week. Players had the opportunity to enjoy their bye week and return to the facility for practice.
"Fantastic," QB Josh Allen said when asked how he enjoyed the bye week. "It was great. Got some sun. Hung out with family. It was fantastic."
Following their Week 11 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills sit at 9-2 with the playoffs in sight. They were able to use the bye week as an opportunity to get healthy and assess a little bit of where the team is with only six weeks left in the regular season.
"To be at the bye week though at 9-2 and obviously feeling confident about what we got going on here and the guys that we have in this locker room, it's a great feeling," Allen said.
CB Taron Johnson also said that although he loves that they have a great record, it is important to not get complacent.
"I love where we're at, but at the same time, we just got to make sure that that we keep that same fire and not get complacent and just continue to play our best ball moving forward," Johnson said. "So even though we have a good record, we still have things we have to clean up and things we got to get better at."
McDermott added that with this week being Thanksgiving, he has been able to reflect on being grateful for the opportunity that they have in Buffalo.
"I think this time this week, specifically with Thanksgiving, you're grateful for just the opportunity to go out there and be in the room with these guys and gals on this team," McDermott said. "And you get a chance to watch over the bye week, other teams and other organizations, and you realize how good we have it here."
McDermott also said that it is nice to have a Sunday-Sunday rhythm at this point in the season because it gives the team a sense of routine.
"Routine, more than anything," McDermott said. "I told some of the guys this morning, I said, 'it's good to be back in my gray t-shirt and my Bills sweats.'"
Allen said that McDermott and the coaching staff does a great job of making sure that the team is prepared coming out of bye weeks and that their leadership helps to keep them focused.
"We're not into the playoffs yet, job's not finished, and we're just trying to find a way to go 1-0 this week," Allen said.
The 49ers currently have a record of 5-6 and are in a tight race in the NFC West. Although their record is 5-6 and they are also dealing with injuries like the Bills, there is respect from McDermott about the job that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has done.
"Simply put, he is a great coach," McDermott said. "We've both been in the league a long time. We've gone up against each other a number of times in the NFC South, it was for a few years there and twice a year. I don't think there's many coaches in this league better than Kyle Shanahan."
When discussing the 49ers defense, Allen had nothing but high praise for LB Fred Warner and the rest of their defense, including a familiar face in DE Leonard Floyd.
"Fred Warner is maybe the best linebacker in football," Allen said. "He flies around. I think their d-line, with (Nick) Bosa and Floyd, obviously, Floyd was here last year, two guys that can absolutely go and get after the quarterback. I think their DBs play very well within their system. And they're getting healthier… A really, really good defense that they fly around, they force a lot of turnovers, so, we got to be on our A-game."
For the first time since his injury, LB Matt Milano was on the practice field without a red practice jersey and was a full participant in practice.
"He looks good out there again," Allen said. "I'm not sure if he's going or not this week or next week, or whatever the case is, but just extremely happy for him, getting back out there and flying around and making some plays. He's battled quite a few things over the last year and a half, so the boys are very happy for him."
While they are still not aware if he will play on Sunday night, McDermott said that they will look to take it one play at a time as he ramps up practicing.
"Really just trying to take it one day at a time, one play at a time… We'll see (whether he can play)," McDermott said.
His teammates are excited to have him back on the field. CB Rasul Douglas mentioned that he has not been able to play a game with Milano yet as he was a midseason acquisition last season.
"I just was telling him in the Epsom salt bath, I was like, 'Bro, can I get a game with you? Just one,'" Douglas said laughing. "Hopefully that time is coming around the corner."
"He stole my pick today. So, if that's what having him out there is for, I think we might need that. We all know he's a hell of a player. I was watching him before I got here, how he just impacts the game, and how he's like a turnover machine. So, he's a hell of a player."
In addition to Milano, the practice window was also opened for DT DeWayne Carter and OL Tylan Grable to return from injured reserve as well.
Injury Report
- Full: DT DeWayne Carter (IR) (Wrist), OL Tylan Grable (IR) (Groin), LB Matt Milano (IR) (Biceps)
- Limited: OL Spencer Brown (Ankle), WR Keon Coleman (Wrist),
- Did not practice: TE Dalton Kincaid (Knee)
Scroll to see the best photos from Wednesday practice as the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers. This gallery is presented by Highmark.
Quinton Jefferson (71). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Jordan Phillips (97). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Joe Andreessen (44). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Taron Johnson (7). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Len Vanden Bos, Jahmile Addae, Taylor Rapp (9), Lewis Cine (36), Te'Cory Couch (33), Christian Benford (47), Taron Johnson (7), Damar Hamlin (3), Daequan Hardy (25), Cole Bishop (24), Cam Lewis (39), Kaiir Elam (5), Scott Booker, Brandon Codrington (29), Joe Danna, Kareem Jackson (27), Ja'Marcus Ingram (46),Rasul Douglas (31). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Len Vanden Bos, Jahmile Addae, Taylor Rapp (9), Lewis Cine (36), Te'Cory Couch (33), Christian Benford (47), Taron Johnson (7), Damar Hamlin (3), Daequan Hardy (25), Cole Bishop (24), Cam Lewis (39), Kaiir Elam (5), Scott Booker, Brandon Codrington (29), Joe Danna, Kareem Jackson (27), Ja'Marcus Ingram (46),Rasul Douglas (31). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Kingsley Jonathan (59). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Kingsley Jonathan (59). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Curtis Samuel (1). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Kameron Cline (96). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Dion Dawkins (73). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
DaQuan Jones (92),Austin Johnson (98). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Taron Johnson (7). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Taylor Rapp (9). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Terrel Bernard (43). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
DaQuan Jones (92). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Mack Hollins (13). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
. Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
A.J. Epenesa (57). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ty Johnson (26),Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Taron Johnson (7). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Sean McDermott. Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Cole Bishop (24). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Mike White (14). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Cam Lewis (39). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Marcus West. Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ty Johnson (26),Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Keon Coleman (0). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Tyrell Shavers (80). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ja'Marcus Ingram (46). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Jordan Phillips (97). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ray Davis (22). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Kyle Shurmur. Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
James Cook (4). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Marc Lubick. Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ty Johnson (26). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Jordan Phillips (97). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Mitchell Trubisky (11). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Alec Anderson (70). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Matt Milano (58). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Jordan Phillips (97). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Brandon Deen (53). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Casey Toohill (99). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Lewis Cine (36). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Amari Cooper (18). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Zach Davidson (84). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
DaQuan Jones (92). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Khalil Shakir (10). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
DaQuan Jones (92). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Jalen Virgil (89). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Quintin Morris (85). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Matt Milano (58). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
DeWayne Carter (90). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Matt Milano (58). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Rasul Douglas (31). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Matt Milano (58),Damar Hamlin (3). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Matt Milano (58). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Von Miller (40). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
. Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (62). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Nicholas Morrow (32). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Richard Gouraige (75). Richard Gouraige (75). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Tylan Grable (68). Tylan Grable (68). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
Casey Toohill (99). Casey Toohill (99). Buffalo Bills Week 13 Wednesday Practice, November 27, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
