Hard Knocks Show Summary, Upcoming Episodes and TV Guide

The official roster cut-down day in the NFL. However, with those roster decisions more likely to be detailed in the final episode, Episode 4 opened with McDermott guiding a late-preseason practice, with the Bills' staff also highlighting what they look for in players to keep them on the roster.

'Hard Knocks' then takes a look at bio-mechanic systems and cameras that are used to break down the Bills quarterbacks' arm motions, including Josh Allen's. Wide receiver K.J. Hamler is once again highlighted as he competes to make the team, and the show looks back on his 2023 pericarditis diagnosis. A spotlight also remains on Ciarlo, who shares how he unexpectedly saw time at nickel in a preseason game, and Frank Gore Jr., who breaks down his relationship with his father.

The episode features a brief segment on DT Casey Rogers helping with a local dog rescue program, then it cuts to general manager Brandon Beane and the front office assessing where they stand on the bubble roster players before a final preseason matchup against the Buccaneers. Prior to the final game action, Allen and some other players sing along to 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies,' in a highlight sequence.

McDermott sits down for some advice from two NBA Hall of Famers, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, who are minority owners of the Bills. The head coach later tells his players that he's proud of them and the work they put in, and the final portion of the episode is footage from the Bills vs. Buccaneers preseason matchup.

Included from the game are shots of Vince Carter briefly talking to Allen, Shane Buechele getting the start at quarterback, tight end Zach Davidson being used as an emergency punter, Tampa Bay's Shilo Sanders throwing a punch and being ejected, Ciarlo recovering a fumble and Buffalo claiming a 23-19 win. 

Fans went in-depth with second-year linebacker Joe Andreessen, who earned the nickname 'Buffalo Joe' after growing up a Bills fan then earning a roster spot in 2024. James Cook's contract hold-in was covered, with shots of the running back sitting in meetings but not practicing. Fellow running back Ray Davis got more reps in his absence, including some unique emergency kicker duties. Additionally, some time was spent focusing on receiver K.J. Hamler as he seeks to make his first NFL roster since 2022. Hamler riding a scooter around camp was one of the most viral moments from the episode. Sean McDermott speaking about his past battle with skin cancer, and the head coach also calling former Bills coach Marv Levy for Levy's 100th birthday. Buffalo's quarterback room beyond Josh Allen is another theme, with an eye on the QB2 competition between Mitchell Tribusky and Mike White. 'Hard Knocks' also revisited Damar Hamlin's 2023 cardiac arrest on the field and the safety's journey since that moment, including a CPR awareness event at this year's camp and a segment focused on Hamlin sharing his faith as he seeks to write a book. The episode wraps up with the Bills moving out from St. John Fischer University in anticipation of the preseason, then a segment breaking down their matchup against the Giants, a 34-25 loss that included a solid performance from running back Frank Gore Jr.