Sal Capaccio
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Bills reporter @WGR550; 2025 and 2026 Buffalo Sports Broadcaster of Year @BfloBroadcaster; Former HS football/track coach; Father of Max; Drummer; #GoOrange
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Articles by Sal Capaccio
Sabres know their defensive game must be better
San Jose, CA (WGR) - The Buffalo Sabres are ranked 29th in the NHL with a 3.64 goals against. After Saturday's overtime loss in Washington against the Capitals, Josh Doan was as angry as I've seen him. He's getting tired of hearing everyone blame Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for all that's wrong with this team. Buffalo is also 27th in the league in penalty killing and 31st on the power play yet Lindy Ruff refuses to use his best power play player, Jason Zucker on the first unit.
Sam Franklin wins appeal, suspension reduced to fine
Orchard Park, NY (WGR550) - Buffalo Bills safety Sam Franklin's one-game suspension for spitting towards an opponent has been rescinded. Instead, his discipline has been reduced to a fine of $14,926. Hearing officer James Thrash, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has reduced the discipline of Sam Franklin from a one-game suspension to a fine of $14,926 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Sam Franklin suspended 1-game for spitting, denies allegation and will appeal
Orchard Park, NY (WGR/WBEN) - Buffalo Bills safety, core special teams player, and captain Sam Franklin, Jr. has been suspended one game by the NFL for spitting towards an opponent during last Sunday's 33–30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Sam Franklin Jr. Suspended One Game https://t.co/sp1qzvVK3d — NFL345 (@NFL345) October 21, 2026 According to a league source, Franklin, vehemently denies the allegation and will be appealing the suspension.
Report: Tre'Davious White to sign with Bills practice squad
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Cornerback Tre'Davous White is re-signing with the Buffalo Bills, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, via White's agency. Schefter notes White will initially sign with the team's practice squad before eventually joining the active roster. CB Tre’Davious White is signing with the Bills’ practice squad, where he will acclimate before joining their active roster.White turned down several opportunities to return to Buffalo.
CJ Gardner-Johnson suspended one game for spitting incident
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Buffalo Bills safety CJ Gardner-Johnson has been suspended for one game by the National Football League for spitting at an opponent. C.J. Gardner-Johnson Suspended One Game https://t.co/6X2dnMDqWe β NFL345 (@NFL345) October 19, 2026 Heard coach Joe Brady met with reporters on Monday and addressed the incident and suspension, saying "that can't happen on the football field.
Capaccio: Arrow Up/ Arrow Down: Bills at Raiders
Las Vegas, Nevada (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills improved to 5-1 with a 33-30 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Here are my Arrows Up and down, starting Up after another win: ARROW UP Josh Allen Allen played like an MVP, and had an MVP signature play (see below). He played smart, didn’t put the ball in harm's way, and finished 23-of-33 (69.7%) for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Allen to Coleman touchdown Allen did it again.
Capaccio: Bills at Raiders: Sal's keys, notes and stats
Las Vegas, Nevada (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will look to improve to 5-1 on the season when they face the Raiders in Las Vegas. In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats: KEYS Protect the football The Bills have given the ball away a total of nine times, tied for sixth-most I'm the league. The Raiders have taken the ball away from opponents ten times, tied for second-most in the NFL. It was a big reason why they won their first three games of the season.
Health at nickel cornerback improving for Bills
Irvine, California (WGR) - After missing Monday night's 37-34 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams with an ankle injury, Buffalo Bills starting nickel cornerback Dee Alford has been back on the practice field this week and could be back in the lineup. Bills CB Dee Alford missed last week with an ankle injury.
Greg Rousseau named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week
Irvine, California (WGR) - Just one week after being named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September, Buffalo Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 5. Rousseau blocked Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis' game-winning 48-yard field goal attempt in overtime, which gave the ball back to the Bills who eventually went down the field and won the game, 37-34, on a Tyler Bass 45-yard field goal.
Capaccio: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Bills at Rams
Inglewood, Calif. (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills survived a wild, epic "Monday Night Football" game with a 37-34 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. With the victory, the Bills improve to 4-1 on the season and remain atop the AFC East standings. With the win, I start with my Arrows Up for the fourth time: Inglewood, Calif. - Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 12, 2026.
Capaccio: Bills at Rams: Sal's keys, notes and stats
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will look to get back into the win column after suffering their first loss last week when they take on the Rams in Los Angeles on Monday Night Football. In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats: KEYS Be stickier The Bills secondary has not been nearly sticky enough. Too often, receivers for the opposing offense are finding separation and making plays down the field.
Ed Oliver and Joshua Palmer ruled out for Bills at Rams
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills have ruled out a pair of players for their game Monday night in Los Angeles against the Rams. Wide receiver Joshua Palmer suffered a shoulder injury during Friday's practice and will not play. Neither will Ed Oliver, who injured his knee in last Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. Head coach Joe Brady said he's unsure how long Palmer will be out, adding the team is doing more tests.
Bills start practice week without Moore, but Benford returns
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Because the Buffalo Bills play on Monday night in Week 5, they did not begin their practice week until Thursday. And when they did hit the grass fields of their outdoor practice facility, cornerback Christian Benford was participating, but wide receiver DJ Moore and defensive tackle Ed Oliver were not. Benford, Gardner-Johnson, Hairston, Bishop, Bernard.
Maxwell Hairston unexpectedly meets with media, apologizes for abruptly leaving locker room after loss
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston had a rough game on Sunday. He was often the target of passes from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and gave up several plays, including a touchdown. He was also called for a critical holding penalty that negated a sack near the Bills end zone. After the game, he declined to speak with reporters and left the locker room abruptly.
Capaccio: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Patriots at Bills
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - - The Buffalo Bills suffered their first loss of the season, falling 29–26 to the New England Patriots. That means I'll start with my Arrows Down for the first time this season: ARROW DOWN Max Hairston Hairston had a really rough day, often finding himself the target of passes from Drake Maye, especially to Romeo Doubs, and often in big situations. He was beaten too often. He also had a holding penalty on a would-be sack near the Bills goal line.
Capaccio: Patriots at Bills: Sal's keys, notes and stats
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will look to take a stranglehold of the AFC East with a victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday at Highmark Stadium. If the Bills win, they’ll remain undefeated at 4-0 and the Patriots will fall to 1-3. To do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats: KEYS Don’t give the ball away! Last week, the Bills turned the ball over five times against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Joe Andreessen signs two-year contract extension with Bills
Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - Buffalo Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen has signed a two-year contract extension, the team announced on Saturday. Signed LB Joe Andreessen to a two-year contract extension thru 2028. pic.twitter.com/2fzyzZkv5T — Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) October 3, 2026 A native of Lancaster, Andreessen played for Lancaster High School, and after spending four years at Bryant University, finished his collegiate career at the University at Buffalo.
Gregory Rousseau named AFC Defensive Player of the Month
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Buffalo Bills edge rusher Gregory Rousseau has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September. Greg Rousseau has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Month. pic.twitter.com/4gDbN9lLIT — Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) October 1, 2026 Last Sunday, in the Bills’ 24-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Rousseau became just the third player in NFL history to begin a season with at least two sacks in his team’s first three games.
Brady: "Bills offense didn't have fastball, but defense did"
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady was happy that his team found a way to win even when they weren't playing their best football on Sunday, ultimately beating the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16. The Bills dug themselves into a 10-0 hole early in the game after turning the ball over a couple of times, including on the very first play when James Cook fumbled, and then the following series when Josh Allen threw an interception.
Capaccio: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Chargers at Bills
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills came back from a rough start to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16 Sunday and move to 3-0 on the season.
Capaccio: Chargers at Bills: Sal's keys, notes and stats
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will like to start the season 3-0 by collecting a win over the Los Angeles Chargers at Highmark Stadium on Sunday. Here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats. KEYS Tighten up on the back end The Bills secondary has been too loose through the first two games. They’ll need to be better against the Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert, who will look to throw the ball to wide receiver Ladd McConkey and tight end Orande Gadsden.
Moore, Coleman both questionable for Bills against Chargers
Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills' official injury report and game designations for Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers were released Friday, and a pair of key wide receivers are questionable to play. D.J. Moore and Keon Coleman - both injured in last Thursday night's win over the Detroit Lions and missed, at least, one practice this week - were both limited participants in Friday's practice, but officially deemed questionable to be on the field this week.
DJ Moore practices, but Keon Coleman and Ed Oliver do not
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - After a long weekend break following their Thursday night victory over the Detroit Lions, the Buffalo Bills got back on the practice field Wednesday to start preparing for the Los Angeles Chargers, who come to Highmark Stadium this Sunday. Wide receiver DJ Moore, who left Thursday night’s win over the Detroit Lions with a shoulder injury, was on the field in a red non-contact jersey and listed as a limited participant on the official injury report.
Josh Allen named AFC Offensive Player of the Week
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - For the 19th time in his career, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. Allen won the award after passing for 248 yards and three touchdowns, and running for another 69 yards and two scores last Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. Allen has earned the honor 19 times and trails only Tom Brady (32), Peyton Manning (27) and Drew Brees (25) for the most player of the week awards all-time.
Capaccio: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Lions at Bills
Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills are off to a 2-0 start to the 2026 season after a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. Here are my Arrows Up and Down following this one, starting Up once again after another win: Orchard Park, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer celebrates with fans after scoring a 43-yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of a game at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 17, 2026.
Capaccio: Lions at Bills: Sal's keys, notes and stats
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will look to win their second game in a row to start the 2026 season when they hosted the Detroit Lions and the debut of Highmark Stadium on Thursday night. Here are my three keys to the games, plus notes and stats.
Cole Bishop, Ty Johnson questionable against Lions
Orchard Park, NY (WGR/WBEN) - Three players are listed as questionable to play for the Buffalo Bills when they host the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football. Safety Cole Bishop, running back Ty Johnson, and defensive tackle TJ Sanders were all questionable on the team's final injury report. All three practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday.
Cole Bishop, Ty Johnson questionable to play for Bills
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Three players are listed as questionable to play for the Buffalo Bills when they host the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football. Safety Cole Bishop, running back Ty Johnson, and defensive tackle TJ Sanders were all questionable on the team's final injury report. All three practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday.
Bills get ready for Lions on new stadium field
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills held their Tuesday practice inside new Highmark Stadium as they prepare to play the first-ever game inside the facility Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. New grass. pic.twitter.com/bfCvFpLqXS β Sal Capaccio π (@SalSports) September 15, 2026 The six players who were listed on the injury report on Monday's estimation were all listed once again. Defensive tackle TJ Sanders was the only player who do not practice, but that was due to an illness.
Bills add fullback Brock Lampe to practice squad
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills announced the signing of fullback Brock Lampe to their practice squad on Monday. Lampe comes to the Bills after having spent 2025 on Injured Reserve as a member of the New England Patriots, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois. Signed FB Brock Lampe to the practice squad & released G Nick Broeker.
Capaccio: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Bills at Texans
Houston, Texas (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills found their way to a hard-fought 36–31 win over the Houston Texans to start the season 1–0. That means I start this year’s regular season with my Arrows Up: ARROW UP Josh freaking Allen The Bills quarterback played like an NFL MVP, and against one of the toughest defenses in the league. Allen was 20-for-29 (69%) for 334 yards and two touchdowns.
Capaccio: Bills at Texans: Sal's keys, notes and stats
Houston, Texas (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will travel to Houston to take on the Texans in the opening game of the 2026 season for both teams. Here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats: KEYS Protect Josh Allen The last time these two teams met, Bills quarterback Josh Allen was sacked eight times, the most of any single game throughout his 143 game career, counting the playoffs. Making sure nothing close to that happens on Sunday has to be atop the Bills to-do list in this contest.
Three Bills questionable for Sunday
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Running back Ty Johnson, defensive lineman TJ Sanders, and defensive back Jordan Hancock were all listed as "questionable" to play Sunday for the Buffalo Bills when they open their regular season at the Houston Texans. All three players practiced in some capacity on Friday. Johnson, who hadn't practiced since August 8, and Sanders, who missed Thursday's practice, were both limited. Hancock, who returned to practice this week after missing some time, was a full participant.
Jordan Hancock returns, but Ty Johnson still out
Orchard Park, NY (WGR550) - Buffalo Bills defensive back Jordan Hancock returned to practice on Thursday as the team continued to prepare for their Week 1 opening regular season matchup at the Houston Texans. Jordan Hancock back at practice pic.twitter.com/VmHqE4HWqH — Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) September 10, 2026 Hancock is primarily a backup nickel cornerback, but also offers flexibility at safety, if needed. He missed Wednesday's practice with a quad injury.
Shakir, three others return to practice Wednesday
Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - Four of the six players who had been out with injuries returned to the practice field for the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, just days before the 2026 season opener against the Texans in Houston. Most notably, starting slot receiver Khalil Shakir was back for the Bills. However, running back Ty Johnson was listed as a non-participant with a hamstring injury on the first injury report of the week and season.
Dee Alford listed as main punt returner on Bills depth chart
Orchard Park, NY (WGR550) - The Buffalo Bills have released their first depth chart of the regular season and there are a couple notable items. Starting nickel cornerback Dee Alford is listed as the team's starting punt returner. Alford is listed ahead of running back Ray Davis and wide receiver Khalil Shakir in that role. Davis, who is listed as the first kick returner, had three punt returns during the preseason, but also muffed one of his chances.
Bills get number of key players back at practice Tuesday
Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - On the first day of practice since trimming their roster to 53 players, the Buffalo Bills got several of their key players back on the field. Among the players returning to practice in some capacity on Tuesday included center Connor McGovern, wide receiver Keon Coleman, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Lots of Bills player back on the practice field after missing time with injuries.
Toriano Pride claimed by Browns
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Buffalo Bills seventh round draft pick, cornerback Toriano Pride, was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on Monday. Pride was waived by the Bills on Sunday as part of the team's reduction to 53 players on their active roster. The Missouri product ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine. The Bills elected to keep only three true outside cornerbacks on their initial 53-man active roster.
Bills cut roster to 53 players
Orchard Park, NY (WGR/WBEN) - The Buffalo Bills officially trimmed their roster to 53 players on Sunday, announcing the release of 21 players and three who were placed on reserve lists. Among the notable moves, the Bills are not keeping a fullback on the active roster, releasing Ben VanSumeren, but keeping four tight ends, including Keleki Latu. Today’s Bills roster moves ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JN0EhWuj7O — Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) August 30, 2026 Bills 53-man roster.
Bills release 13 players
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - the Buffalo Bills began reducing their roster on Saturday by announcing the release of 13 players. The Bills have made official the release of 13 players. Here is the list: pic.twitter.com/53IjXElGH8 — Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) August 29, 2026 All teams must get their active rosters down to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. Updated roster with players who officially have been released. pic.twitter.com/mTt1RN8973 — Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) August 29, 2026
Capaccio: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Steelers at Bills preseason
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills gave the home crowd a thrilling 28-27 comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to finish the 2026 preseason 3-0. Here are my Arrows Up and Down following the contest, starting Up for a third straight game: ARROW UP Keonta Jenkins Jenkins had a sack on the very first defensive play of the game, then led all Bills tacklers with five stops, all of them solo, and added a QB hit.
Capaccio: Steelers at Bills preseason: Four things to watch
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will wrap up their 2026 preseason at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. Here are three things to watch Those final roster spots On an exclusive Always Gameday in Buffalo podcast, general manager Brandon Beane told Matt Bove and me that there are about "50-ish" spots on the roster they are pretty confident in right now. That would leave maybe three spots available. How do they determine who gets those?
Joe Brady says some starters will play Thursday night
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will wrap up their preseason on Thursday night at Highmark Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers. When they do, head coach Joe Brady said there will be some starters playing in the game, but was noncommittal on exactly who or how much time they will see. "There will be some guys who are starters that are going to be playing in the game.
Skyler Bell and Jalon Kilgore return to practice
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills got back to work on Monday, two days after dominating the Cleveland Browns 31-7 in their second preseason contest, preparing for the exhibition finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night at Highmark Stadium. A little start to practice vibe.
Capaccio: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Bills at Browns preseason
Cleveland, Ohio (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills defeated the Cleveland Browns 31-7 in each team’s second preseason game. The Bills are now 2-0 in the exhibition season. Here are my Arrows Up and Down from the contest, starting UP after the win: ARROW UP Kyle Allen Allen has been very impressive this preseason, going 10/12 for 128 yards and a touchdown in this one and is now 24/28 (85.7%) for 236 yards with a touchdown pass through two preseason games.
Capaccio: Bills at Browns preseason: Three things to watch
Cleveland, Ohio (WGR)- The Buffalo Bills will face the Browns in their second preseason game on Saturday afternoon in Cleveland. Here are three things to watch. Left guard rotation We don't know yet if the starters will play any snaps at all, but even if they don't, two players who may still be out there who are fighting for a starting job are Alec Anderson and Austin Corbett at left guard.
Bills tight ends have big day in practice against Browns
Berea, Ohio (WGR) - For all the talk about fights and nonproductive joint practices that are seemingly happening around the National Football League, the Bills and Browns didn't have any of that when they faced each other for almost two hours on Thursday. There were a few minor pushes and shoves, but nothing to the degree we've seen on viral videos from other joint practices.
Leonhard wants to see physicality from defense in joint practice at Browns
Cleveland, Ohio (WGR) - Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard made it clear what he wants to see from his unit when the Buffalo Bills take the field for a joint practice Thursday against the Cleveland Browns. “Number one is the physicality,” he said on Tuesday before their open practice inside Highmark Stadium. "You’re going against somebody else. That always lifts the intensity of a practice. You get sick of beating up your own guys. They know what you’re doing, you know what they’re doing.
Leonhard wants to see physicality from defense in joint practice at Browns
Cleveland, Ohio (WGR/WBEN) - Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard made it clear what he wants to see from his unit when the Buffalo Bills take the field for a joint practice Thursday against the Cleveland Browns. “Number one is the physicality,” he said on Tuesday before their open practice inside Highmark Stadium. "You’re going against somebody else. That always lifts the intensity of a practice. You get sick of beating up your own guys. They know what you’re doing, you know what they’re doing.
Keon Coleman, Jalon Kilgore among those out of practice
Orchard Park, NY (WGR) - Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman was wearing a walking boot on his right foot Tuesday morning as the team held an open practice inside Highmark Stadium. Here's a look at Keon Coleman in a walking boot at #Bills practice inside the stadium this morning. No word on what Coleman's dealing with.
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