Starting Center Connor McGovern Was Injured During 11-on-11 Drills At Highmark

Bills Center Connor McGovern Injured During Highmark Stadium Practice Debut

Connor McGovern, the Buffalo Bills' starting center, left the field with an apparent leg injury during the team's inaugural practice at the new Highmark Stadium on Saturday night, adding an injury scare to what was otherwise a celebratory night for the franchise.

What Happened

The Buffalo Bills welcomed 51,807 fans to the 2026 Return of Blue & Red, marking the first team event at Highmark Stadium. During the session, starting center Connor McGovern was injured on the first play of 11-on-11 drills. He returned to play, but then needed further attention from athletic trainers, who were looking at his right leg.

McGovern then walked off the field and did not return.

Multiple reports detailed the sequence leading to the injury. According to one account, during an 11-on-11 portion of practice, McGovern was chasing down a defender after an interception and suddenly pulled up, then started limping, took off his helmet, and went down to the ground . Another report indicated the play involved a play involving an interception by cornerback Christian Benford . Per the team's own account, McGovern also suffered an injury during a team period, but was able to walk off the field on his own.

Second Injury on the Night

McGovern's exit was not the only injury concern for Buffalo. RB Ty Johnson went down during one-on-one drills with a right leg injury and was helped off the field by athletic trainers, not returning to practice , according to ESPN Bills beat reporter Alaina Getzenberg.

Coach's Response

Following practice, head coach Joe Brady said he's not sure of the severity of the injuries just yet, noting he hadn't had a chance to get with the medical staff for a full update.

Context and Next Steps

McGovern, Buffalo's starting center, who signed a $52 million contract this offseason after testing the free agent market , is a key piece of the Bills' offensive line heading into the 2026 season. Replacing McGovern, veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry stepped up to take the first-team reps. The Bills signed Cushenberry, who had made 80 regular season starts since 2020, in March after the Tennessee Titans released the six-year starter with a failed physical designation.

After an off-day, the Bills returned to practice indoors on Monday, and McGovern was not seen participating during the session, which was open to media. Buffalo is scheduled to return to the new Highmark Stadium for two preseason games, hosting the Carolina Panthers on August 15 and the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 27 , with the team hopeful McGovern will be available as the regular season approaches.