It may only be the first week of Phase 3 of organized team activities, but the Buffalo Bills are already preparing as if they have a game this weekend, and in front of fans.
The Bills played all of their regular season home games, and several of their road games with no fans in the stands last season due to COVID-19 protocols. Even for the games at stadiums in which fans were allowed, there was very limited capacity.
So when the team opens it’s 2021 regular season schedule on Sunday, Sept. 12 at Highmark Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it could very well be the first time they play in front of a full-house in about 20 months.
Quarterback Josh Allen said they’re already preparing for the change, noting that the very first drill the team did this week involved simulated crowd noise.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that the Bills were one of the 30 teams who have already had approval from the league to have 100% capacity at games, pending state and local guidelines.
Allen was among, unofficially, 78 players who took part in Tuesday’s OTA session on the outdoor fields of the ADPRO Sports Training Center in Orchard Park.
The Bills do not release official attendance details for the voluntary workouts, but 10 of the 88 players on their roster were unaccounted for through observation:
- WR - Stefon Diggs
- WR - Emmanuel Sanders
- RB - Devin Singletary
- RB - Taiwan Jones
- C - Mitch Morse
- RT - Daryl Williams
- DE - Jerry Hughes
- DE - Mario Addison
- DT - Vernon Butler
- DT - Star Lotulelei
Also, offensive lineman Cody Ford, running back Zack Moss, wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, and safety Josh Thomas all wore red non-contact jerseys.
During Phase 3, no live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted. All of the workouts are voluntary. Players cannot be fined or disciplined for not showing up.
Phase 3 will consist of 10 total workouts, with the remaining eight occurring on May 25, and 27, as well as June 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11. The Bills will then hold a mandatory minicamp for all players on June 15, 16, and 17.
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