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
Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more!
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.
KALSHI
For a limited time,Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10.
Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
