NFL Training Camp: Kirk Cousins Starts for Raiders as Bills Overhaul Defense

NFL training camp reports confirm 37-year-old Kirk Cousins is the Raiders' starter while the Bills test ten different players on the first-team defense.

NFL training camp sessions held on August 6 and 7, 2026, revealed significant roster shifts and schematic changes for the Raiders, Bills, and Seahawks. In Henderson, Nevada, 37-year-old quarterback Kirk Cousins is operating as the Las Vegas Raiders' designated starter, while first-round draft pick Fernando Mendoza takes second-team repetitions. The Raiders are also expanding the role of running back Ashton Jeanty, who recorded 55 receptions for 346 yards and five touchdowns during his rookie season.

In Rochester, New York, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard rotated at least ten different players into first-team snaps during a single Friday practice. The list of participants included Javon Solomon, DeWayne Carter, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Kani Walker, Sam Franklin Jr., Phidarian Mathis, Keonta Jenkins, Jordan Hancock, Geno Stone, and Zane Durant. This new defensive approach moves Greg Rousseau into a two-point stance and utilizes Ed Oliver in alignments not previously seen under former coordinator Sean McDermott.

Seattle Seahawks Offensive Evolution

Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury is implementing a system in Seattle that safety Julian Love noted has been "dialing it up" against the defense. The scheme features heavy pre-snap motion and shifts, with tight end AJ Barner stating the team will utilize two tight ends "very, very often." Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who commanded 36% of the team's targets last season, remains a fixture on the field, while Rashid Shaheed is being utilized both on the outside and in the backfield.

Seattle's backfield rotation will involve two or three players per game plan, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. Rookie Jadarian Price has earned comparisons to a prime Dalvin Cook from teammates due to his burst and ability to follow blocking tracks. Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker III looks to maintain his workload after averaging 13 carries per game last year. The team is also monitoring Zach Charbonnet as he recovers from a torn ACL.

Buffalo Bills Defensive and Offensive Adjustments

Buffalo is transitioning to Jim Leonhard’s scheme, which prioritizes odd fronts and simulated pressures over the static nickel personnel used since 2017. The Bills signed nickel corner Dee Alford to a three-year contract to replace Taron Johnson, seeking his man-coverage skills in the slot. On offense, wide receiver DJ Moore is being integrated into deep and intermediate-breaking routes. Moore previously averaged 13.2 air yards per target under Joe Brady in 2020, compared to 9.7 air yards during his tenure with the Bears.

Keon Coleman is currently competing with Joshua Palmer for WR3 snaps in Buffalo’s rotation. The left guard position remains a contest between Alec Anderson and Austin Corbett following the departure of David Edwards to New Orleans. Additionally, running back Ty Johnson is dealing with an injury sustained during a stadium practice on Saturday, which may lead to James Cook III seeing increased targets in the passing game.

Las Vegas Raiders Foundation and Roster Depth

Kirk Cousins cited his history with Klint Kubiak in Minnesota as the primary reason for joining the Raiders. While Cousins leads the first team, the organization is focused on improving an offensive line that struggled last year before fully committing to Mendoza. Behind Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders are developing rookie Mike Washington Jr. to bolster the backfield depth.

In Seattle, the team is managing several injuries ahead of Week 1. Safety Nick Emmanwori is recovering from offseason ankle surgery, with D’Anthony Bell, Bud Clark, or Julian Neal potentially filling the "big nickel" role. The Seahawks' receiving corps also features 33-year-old Cooper Kupp and Tory Horton, who is returning from a cracked tibia. General manager John Schneider increased the team's draft haul from four to eight picks in April to address depth needs at defensive back and running back, though the team did not add a pass rusher.