Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop warms up before a 2025 AFC divisional round game against the Baltimore Ravens. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Sean McDermott sends stern message to Bills safety Cole Bishop

Originally posted on Buffalo Bills on SI | By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 2:50 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills secondary had more than their share of struggles in 2024, especially when it came to coverage from the safety position.

They hoped that would have been addressed with their selection of Utah safety Cole Bishop at No. 60 overall. Bishop gave them something they desperately needed on the back end, speed and coverage ability.

Unfortunately, he was unable to contribute as much as expected due to injuries during training camp. He did start coming around as the season went on, but has suffered another setback this year.

Bishop has been dealing with a quad injury which has kept him out of six practices and one preseason game. Now, he received a stern message from head coach Sean McDermott.

“Cole has missed quite a bit of time… It remains to be seen what he is truly able to do for us,” McDermott said.

He then added, “We’re getting short on time.”

We’re live with Coach McDermott as he meets with the media before today’s practice. | #BillsMafia https://t.co/dHTvx8kQzO
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 12, 2025

Bishop isn’t the only safety to miss time, with Taylor Rapp also dealing with an injury. They signed Trey Herndon in an effort to add depth, but if they want to see their defense succeed, they need their top guys on the field.