Orchard Park, NY (WGR550/WBEN) - 39,224.
That’s how many people showed up to watch the Buffalo Bills practice on Friday night at Highmark Stadium.
And even before it began, those who showed up early got something they were waiting for - quarterback Josh Allen entering the field wearing something different than the team’s usual white helmet.
Allen came out of the tunnel with a red helmet, similar to the one the team will wear in their Week 18 home game against the New York Jets, paying tribute to the 1990s Super Bowl teams.
Then Allen warmed up and played catch with fans in the stands.
But that was the only action he saw on the field all night.
While it wasn’t officially termed a veteran rest day, the reigning NFL MVP did not take a single snap during any offense vs. defense portion of the session.
There were three players, however, who did get vet rest days. Cornerback Tre’Davious White, linebacker Matt Milano, and linebacker Joey Bosa.
Depth linebacker battle
With Milano resting, his backup Dorian Williams still out with a calf injury, and starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard still dealing with his hamstring injury, Joe Andreessen took most of the snaps with the first unit at middle linebacker calling the defense. Baylon Spector lined up next to him as the starting weekside linebacker.
Veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson did not finish practice after heading up the tunnel with a trainer.
Shakir injury
Wide receiver Khalil Shakir also left practice early. Shakir came out pretty early-on, sat on the team’s medical bench, and athletic trainers appeared to be looking at his right foot/ankle area. After a few minutes, he took off both shoes and walked up the tunnel with several members of the training staff.
Coleman’s Ups and Downs
It was a roller-coaster night for wide receiver Keon Coleman. He dropped two passes he should have caught, including one for a solid gain crossing over the middle.
But then he came back with a couple excellent catches on deep balls, including doing a great job with his body to shield Christian Benford and snatch come down with it and keep his feet inbounds.
Next Up
Players will have off from practice on Saturday before returning to Rochester for an 11:15 a.m. practice on Sunday.
