Buffalo Bills fans who were worried about the health of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who suffered a calf strain in practice last week, must have let out a collective sigh of relief when Gardner-Johnson was a full participant in pads during Thursday’s practice session at St. John Fisher University.
Gardner-Johnson returning to the practice field was one of several highlights from camp, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by examining the latest news and observations from Day 6 of training camp.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - JULY 29: Damar Hamlin #3 talks with Christian Benford #47 of the Buffalo Bills during training camp at St. John Fisher University on July 29, 2026 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)
Tyler Bass back at it
Through the first five days of camp, Tyler Bass had handled his kicking duties during the individual drill portions of the practices and had not attempted any field goals during the sessions open to the public and the press. That all changed on Thursday, as Bass, who missed the entire 2025 season with an assortment of injuries, handled the team’s kickoffs and attempted seven field goals, ranging in distance from 32 to 51 yards long. Bass was successful on five of his field goals, and on the ones he missed, it wasn’t due to a lack of distance.
In other camp news, Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Deone Walker (left elbow) participated in the individual and team periods of practice; cornerback Christian Benford was dialed in and broke up a few pass attempts, including picking off a Josh Allen pass intended for D.J. Moore; rookie offensive lineman Jude Bowry continued his strong showing at camp; defensive back Jordan Hancock came up with a pair of big plays; wide receiver Keon Coleman endured an up-and-down day that featured a nifty catch on a throw from Allen and a drop on a play where Coleman was wide open; Buffalo’s running backs James Cook, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, Ian Wheeler and Frank Gore Jr. did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to benefit former Titans running back Chris Johnson, who is battling ALS; and more!
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - JULY 29: Tyler Bass #16 of the Buffalo Bills greets fans on the way to the field during training camp at St. John Fisher University on July 29, 2026 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)
Even more Bills news
Examining how the Bills are pushing to re-sign starting right guard O’Cyrus Torrence. Plus, learn how rookie linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr is adjusting to life in the NFL; get to know the newest member of Buffalo’s linebacking corps; discover running back Ian Wheeler’s unlikely journey to the NFL; find out which uniform schemes the Bills will be wearing for each home game; and more!
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - JULY 29: O’Cyrus Torrence #64 of the Buffalo Bills greets fans on the way to the field during training camp at St. John Fisher University on July 29, 2026 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)
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