Buffalo bills their punting game hangs in the balance after Cameron Johnston’s injury, triggering an audition of replacements. Three frontrunners emerge: Brad Robbins, Ryan Stonehouse, and Michael Palardy, each with differing ceilings and resumes. The Bills also hosted Mitch Wishnowsky and Pat O’Donnell in workouts, underscoring a bleak market but highlighting the urgency to protect field position against New England.

Familiarity with the staff boosts Robbins’ odds to reclaim the job, while Stonehouse’s youth suggests bounce-back potential if he rediscovers 2022–23 form. Palardy brings veteran steadiness, but the long layoff since 2023 could affect timing. The outcome will shape Buffalo’s situational punting and, by extension, Week 6 expectations.

Buffalo survived a tense moment as Cameron Johnston left the field with a brace after a roughing-the-punter flag on Nephi Sewell, yet the Bills kept the drive alive with a hold on a Matt Prater field goal. The moment underscored Buffalo’s grind-it-out resilience and the thin line between injury, special teams, and game-changing plays.

Beyond the on-field drama, Buffalo’s season continues to unfold with big-picture narratives: Josh Allen’s evolving playmaking, James Cook’s underrated traits, and Cole Bishop’s game-saving moments, all shaping fantasy upside and betting angles as the Bills chase consistency against the Dolphins and Ravens.

Buffalo closed its 2025 preseason with a 23-19 win over Tampa Bay, fielding mostly backups but still revealing roster intrigue. Shane Buechele went the distance, finishing 25-of-30 for 278 yards and a TD as he contends for a fourth quarterback role behind Mike White. Tyrell Shavers flashed with a one-handed TD, boosting his roster chances, while Zach Davidson handled punting duties in an emergency scenario after Brad Robbins was sidelined by illness. Tyler Bass returned to action with three makes (37, 39, 37) but a 26-yard miss lingered; Cole Bishop continued to grow at safety as Bills watchers weigh final cuts.