COMPETITION: Buffalo Bills ILB RACE HEATS UP, Terrel Bernard’s Spot SOLIDIFIED | Turf Problems?

Buffalo Bills ignite fierce competition at inside linebacker as Terrel Bernard locks down his starting role, leaving Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Dorian Williams to battle for the final starting spot. Can the revamped scheme under Jim Leonhard unleash a faster, more aggressive defense and elevate breakout talents like Deone Walker and Landon Jackson? Injury updates on Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, CJ Gardner-Johnson, and Skyler Bell raise new questions about depth and readiness for the opener.

Joe Marino unpacks 41,000-strong turnout at Highmark Stadium’s open practice, the rise of Ben VanSumeren at fullback, and swirling concerns over the new Kentucky bluegrass turf. Are stadium “obstructed views” and soft field conditions temporary growing pains or a cause for worry? Key issues around special teams, dime package battles, and facility upgrades set the stage for a critical stretch of preseason decisions as Bills Mafia gears up for Week 1

Tim Graham: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7516007/2026/08/16/new-highmark-stadium-grass-field-issues

John Wawrow: 

https://apnews.com/article/bills-stadium-grass-field-a5d656f544d6f2404575f5c406deb033?utm_source=app&utm_medium=iOS_share&utm_campaign=x#

Photo Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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