Bills' horseback-riding DT and silent All-Pro LB are perfect for 'Hard Knocks'

Here are four Buffalo Bills' players who warrant serious screen time over the final three episodes in the "Hard Knocks" docuseries that continues on Tuesday night

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver and defensive tackle Zion Logue dance to the music for a few moments while waiting for their turn to run a drill during the Return of the Blue & Red practice at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Aug.1, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Only three episodes remain in HBO's summertime documentary series, and there are still countless stories to tell on "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills."

In terms of spotlighting individual players, the show's producers have already provided insight into the lives of "Buffalo Joe" Andreessen, drifting left tackle Dion Dawkins and inspiring safety Damar Hamlin among others.

The series continues on Tuesday night with Episode 3 airing on August 19 at 9 p.m. ET (streaming on HBO Max),

As the series rolls on, here's why running back Ty Johnson, linebacker Matt Milano, defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Tyrell Shavers deserve serious screen time.

What makes Ty Johnson tick

Josh Allen has called him "the best third-down back in the league" on multiple occasions.

The Bills scooped up Johnson when the New York Jets foolishly released him due to a non-football injury in April 2023. It didn't take long for the core special teamer to carve out a role within Joe Brady's offense, and he's now seen as a key piece in the running backs rotation.

RELATED: Sean McDermott compares Bills' 100-yard receiver to 3-time Super Bowl champ

Johnson, who seems a bit eccentric, has embraced Bills Mafia over his two seasons in Blue & Red, and his perspective would make for some good television.

An absolutely ridiculous catch by Ty Johnson. He immediately secured the catch and had one knee down in-bounds just prior to his foot tapping out of bounds.

📺 #DENvsBUF pic.twitter.com/s758R2n4Ai

— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) January 12, 2025

Matt Milano's voice

Two episodes, and still not one word spoken by veteran linebacker Matt Milano. The former All-Pro has been extremely reserved since being drafted in 2017, and he's done as little public speaking as possible.

Remarkably, Milano's last social media post was when he signed a contract extension in March 2021.

RELATED: Missed linebacker projects as Bills' most important player other than Josh Allen

Hence, it would be a pleasant surprise to hear him on camera at some point during "Hard Knocks." Afterall, Milano, the defense's longest-tenured Bill, has become part of the organizational fabric. Even if the linebacker isn't the one talking, let us hear what his teammates have to say about his impact.

Bills linebacker Matt Milano finds some shade at the end of practice during day five of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Monday, July 28, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cowboy Ed Oliver

Oliver has been a core member of the Bills' defense since being drafted at No. 9 overall in 2019, and the Texas-born defensive tackle hasn't been shy to show some personality over the years.

In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, Oliver has proven to be quite the outdoorsman, whether it's pulling up to practice on horseback or shredding snow on a dirt bike.

"Hard Knocks" already gave us a detailed segment on offensive tackle Dion Dawkins and his drifting hobby. So, how about Cowboy Ed at the rodeo?

Nothing better than seeing Ed Oliver riding down Jewett Holmwood on a horse #billsmafia #whosbigger @Edoliver_11 pic.twitter.com/IJrDrEFbBR

— logancollins (@logancollins99) July 27, 2020

'Tough as nails' Tyrell Shavers

Following two seasons on the Bills' practice squad, Shavers is trying to break through and claim a 53-man roster spot.

After fighting through a sore ankle that he injured during a July 27 practice, Shavers accounted for two of the team's longest plays from scrimmage over the first two preseason games. He hauled in a 58-yard bomb against the New York Giants and added a 22-yard reception against the Chicago Bears. In another important development, Shavers made a nice special teams play during the Bills' joint practice at Halas Hall.

RELATED: Sean McDermott, Joe Brady use same word when evaluating Bills' WR fighting for job

"He is tough as nails, and he's a true Buffalo Bill in that regard," said McDermott.

Run out the clock? Nah, Trubisky lets it rip to Tyrell Shavers. 58 yards!

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/nCAihBqgkL

— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Josh Allen loses turnover battle to shaky Caleb Williams in Bears-Bills practice

• Bills re-sign 'really good person, player' two days after releasing him

• Bears expose Bills' troubling defensive weakness in primetime preseason debacle

• Former Bills' All-Pro jestfully kicks Dolphins while they're down

• Once-promising second-round draft pick sliding down Bills' WR depth chart