Reason why Sean McDermott refused to give the Buffalo Bills the usual day off

In the past, the Buffalo Bills have opted to forgo the final day of practice of mandatory minicamp. This year, however, is different.

“Coach (Sean) McDermott made a statement about us coming here on Day 3,” cornerback Kaiir Elam said after Thursday’s practice. “The last two years I’ve been here we’ve only done two days of mandatory minicamp, but he said 40 percent of our team is still new.”

Despite returning eight offensive starters and eight defensive starters, the Bills experienced higher roster turnover this offseason than in previous years. In his eighth season as head coach, McDermott highlighted that fact during a post-practice media scrum.

“A high percentage of new players, new faces, so the more reps we can get the better,” McDermott said. “I appreciate the willingness of the players and their attitude when they went out there. Not every team practices on the third day of minicamp. I appreciate their attitude.”

Elam gained media attention for his performance during OTAs. The 2022 first-round pick, who threw several interceptions during minicamp, seemed pleased with his overall offseason progression.

“I think from where we started, from the first OTAs to today, I feel like we’ve gotten a lot cleaner,” Elam said.

After a five-week break, the Bills will report to training camp in Rochester on July 23.

“Be ready to go. Be in shape because it’s still going to be a challenge,” McDermott said.