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Buffalo Bills Links, 6/16: Observations from mandatory minicamp

Plus, what Star Lotulelei’s return means for Buffalo’s defense.

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The Buffalo Bills kicked off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and in today’s edition of the Bills daily links, we run through the observations from Day 1 of mandatory minicamp at One Bills Drive.

Included in the observations and analysis: the return of defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, how All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen and All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs are already in sync after their record-breaking 2020 season, the fast start that wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has gotten off to, and how rookie edge rusher Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr. showed why he can be a disruptive force on the defensive line.

We also get head coach Sean McDermott’s instant takeaways from Day 1 at mandatory minicamp, take a closer look at the plays that defined the 2020 season, hear from Allen on why the Bills are still fueled by their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game, analyze what Lotulelei’s return means for the defensive line, learn how Highmark Stadium can operate at “100 percent capacity” this fall, and more!


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Additional Bills news from around the web

Observations after Day 1 of mandatory minicamp

Observations from Bills minicamp: Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, first down | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Mark Gaughan shares his observations from the Bills’ minicamp practice Tuesday at the team’s training complex in Orchard Park.

Bills minicamp observations: Lotulelei happy to rejoin team, Josh Allen looks comfortable and rookies impress on Day 1 – The Athletic
The first day of minicamp saw Star Lotulelei return to the team after opting out in 2020, Josh Allen impress and rookies stand out. (Subscription required).

Observations from Bills minicamp 2021 (Day 1): Star Lotulelei’s return; Isaiah Hodgins flashing - newyorkupstate.com
Get updates and video from Tuesday’s practice.

Bills, Lotulelei hit field for minicamp - WGR 550
The Buffalo Bills began their three-day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday with all hands on deck, including four defensive linemen who had yet to be at One Bills Drive,” writes Sal Capaccio.

5 things we learned from Sean McDermott about Bills mandatory minicamp - BuffaloBills.com
McDermott discussed his expectations for this week’s minicamp and how they can help the team get ready for the 2021 season.

Josh Allen, Bills fueled by loss in AFC championship

Josh Allen says Bills motivated by AFC title game loss: ‘We’re still a very, very hungry team’ | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“The Bills return all but one starter – wide receiver John Brown has been replaced by free agent signee Emmanuel Sanders – from a team that finished one victory short of the Super Bowl and an offense that shattered numerous franchise records,” writes Jason Wolf.

What Star Lotulelei’s return means for defense

Happy to be back with Bills, Star Lotulelei puts to bed any retirement talk | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Lotulelei, though, never entertained the idea of making his one-year sabbatical a permanent retirement,” writes Jay Skurski.

After sitting out 2020, Star Lotulelei returns. Can he solidify defensive line? - Democrat & Chronicle
The defensive tackle made his return to One Bills Drive on Tuesday.

Why Star Lotulelei is eager to be back at One Bills Drive in 2021 - BuffaloBills.com
Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is excited to be back with his team after opting out in 2020.

Highmark Stadium will be at “100 percent capacity” this fall

Highmark Stadium can operate at ‘100% capacity’ - WGR 550
“The New York State Department of Health is making Buffalo Bills fans shout, as they spread the official word that Highmark Stadium is cleared to operate at 100% without restrictions.” —WBEN.

Bills can fill Highmark Stadium now that Covid-19 restrictions are lifted | Local News | buffalonews.com
“Highmark Stadium is considered an outdoor venue, which can operate at full 100% capacity without restrictions,” state Department of Health spokeswoman Samantha Fuld said Tuesday.

Odds and ends

Josh Allen to throw first pitch prior to Thursday's Blue Jays-Yankees game | Baseball | buffalonews.com
“If you have tickets for Thursday night's Blue Jays-Yankees game in Sahlen Field, you're going to get an added bonus,” writes Mike Harrington.

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen to throw out first pitch at Toronto Blue Jays ‘home’ game - newyorkupstate.com
The Blue Jays will host the New York Yankees at their “home” game in Buffalo.

Bills Today | Josh Allen explains what it takes to improve as a quarterback - BuffaloBills.com
Here are three things to know about the Bills for Wednesday, June 16.