The safety position can't seem to stay on the field throughout training camp so far, which is beginning to get alarming just a week away from Buffalo's first preseason game.
The position group was already set to be one of the biggest questions on the roster, but with week-to-week injuries first to Mike Edwards , and now to second-round pick Cole Bishop, the plan and depth on the defensive back end is being tested.
When Edwards went down with a hamstring injury, Bishop, a second-round pick that Buffalo is very high on, had a golden opportunity to battle for a starting position. Now missing time of his own, his chances of getting on the field early in the year took a hit.
This isn't the time for rookies to be sidelined. For Bishop, who is an athletic and versatile safety, these training camp practices are crucial to begin understanding the system, the language, and the movements of his teammates.
Cole Bishop at #Bills practice today. Considered week to week. No wrap on injured shoulder #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/2gVulpOxWF
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) August 1, 2024
For Bishop, it's not the end of the world, however unideal it is. Bishop and his range and ability to line up all over the defense will be back in the fold sooner than later.
Without Bishop and Edwards, the de facto starting duo at safety would be Taylor Rapp, who seems slotted to be a starter no matter who's available, and Damar Hamlin, who has been entrenched in a camp battle this month.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane has brought a couple extra bodies into camp, signing 36-year-old Kareem Jackson , along with rotational player Terrell Burgess.
“No panic. No nothing. Next man up… we don’t flinch.”
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) August 1, 2024
-Bobby Babich on the recent injuries to the #Bills safeties #BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus
The safety position is clearly one to watch as training camp comes to a close and the team starts preparing for their first preseason game on Aug 10 against the Chicago Bears.
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!