The Buffalo Bills began the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp on Monday, June 9, with everyone in attendance. With that came plenty of noteworthy reports from various sources covering the team from the fields and press room at One Bills Drive.
What stood out most on and off the field as it relates to the team’s current roster? From player injury updates, to tryouts, and everything else in-between, let’s dive in below!
LB Dorian Williams sidelined with injury
Several Bills reporters shared news about an injury to linebacker Dorian Williams,
of which ESPN Bills beat reporter Alaina Getzenberg observed Williams “using crutches,” and decidedly not practicing. As WGR 550 Bills reporter Sal Capaccio pointed out, this is to be viewed as a “different injury” for Williams unlikely related to last season’s neck injury during Buffalo’s final playoff game against the Denver Broncos.
Head coach Joe Brady told reporters he wasn’t ready to get into the specific details of Williams’ injury and that it was still early, but added that the team anticipates he’ll be back for training camp, and “will reevaluate as necessary,” per Getzenberg.
Joining Williams as non-participants on Monday were safety Cole Bishop, defensive back Dorian Strong, right tackle Spencer Brown, plus wide receivers Skyler Bell and Tyrell Shavers. Getzenberg also shared that safety Jordan Hancock and offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry were both still wearing red non-contact jerseys to start mandatory minicamp.
While rookie pass catcher Bell was sidelined, Capaccio reported that he was “catching passes from the Jugs machine after practice.”
In better injury news, outside linebacker Michael Hoecht was seen participating with his defensive teammates during individual drills. Hoecht is working his way back to playing form following a brutal Achilles tear in just his second game with the Bills following a six-game PED suspension to begin the 2025 NFL season. Hoecht’s progress and eventual return to action will be among the most-watched topics for a defense undergoing a scheme shift with new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Bills host two players for team tryouts
Joining the team on a tryout basis were a pair of offensive players, offensive lineman Derek Simmons (UDFA out of Oklahoma), and NFL veteran wide receiver Deven Thompkins, who boasts stints in the NFC South with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons.
Simmons, a sixth-year senior who joined Oklahoma during the 2025 college football season, made eight starts (10 games played) at right tackle for the Sooners last season. The 6’5”, 317-pound Simmons received a degree in sports management (minor in business) from Western Carolina in December 2024, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership at Oklahoma.
Thompkins has appeared in a total of 36 regular-season games (making 2 starts) in four NFL seasons. Overall, Thompkins has made 29 receptions (42 targets) for 162 yards and one touchdown; adding 13 rushes for 94 yards and four fumbles, per Pro Football Reference.
Buffalo having Thompkins in for a tryout could have much to do with his special teams return skills. In four seasons with three NFC South teams, Thompkins has totaled 42 punt returns for 368 yard (long of 51); adding 45 kick returns for 1,008 yards (long of 54).
Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Buccaneers following the 2022 NFL Draft, Thompkins was viewed as an explosive yet very undersized athlete, standing just 5’8” and weighing 155 pounds. As just mentioned though, Thompkins brings plenty of speed to the pro game, having recorded a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at his pro day.
For comparison, former Bills wide receiver/return man Roscoe Parrish was 5’9” and 175 pounds. Known NFL small men in running backs/returners Dave Meggett and Vai Sikahema would still tower over Thompkins.
Odds & Ends from Day 1 of Bills mandatory minicamp
Left tackle Dion Dawkins appears ready to reunite with Stefon Diggs, hinting at that possibility in a share on his Instagram account — “@’ing” Diggs’ way and saying “aye Diggyy it’s time brother (plane take off/plane landing emojis).” There are lots of reasons why this may be viewed as a very unwise idea, but Diggs’ history with Allen points to the best years of his NFL career. Should president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane re-think the move that sent Diggs to the Houston Texans and saddled the team with a sarlacc pit-sized dead-cap charge?
Running back James Cook III, last season’s NFL rushing leader, appears ready to reprise his near-workhorse role in 2026. That said, tackling isn’t allowed at this point in the year.
Handshake season has begun, with quarterback Josh Allen getting teammates involved early and often:
(Perhaps now former offensive lineman) Travis Clayton continues working with the defensive line:
Plus, wide receiver Joshua Palmer and Dawkins were both seen practicing on Monday:
