The Buffalo Bills are facing early adversity in their training camp with injuries impacting key positions. Rookie safety Cole Bishop is the latest player to join the injured list, adding to the team’s growing concerns about their depth at safety.
Initial Reports of the Injury
During a practice session on Tuesday, rookie safety Cole Bishop was seen with his arm heavily wrapped. The observation, reported by WIVB Sports Director Josh Reed, has raised questions about the severity of Bishop’s injury. While the specifics of the injury remain unclear, the sight of Bishop with a heavily wrapped arm is troubling for the team.
Training Staff’s Response
According to Chris Brown, co-host of One Bills Live, trainers were observed checking Bishop’s ribs on his back before he left the field. Brown suggested that there might be a need for x-rays to determine if there is a crack or break, as Bishop appeared to be in discomfort. This level of attention from the training staff indicates that the injury could be more serious than initially thought.
Impact on Training Camp
The injury to Bishop comes at a crucial time in training camp when players are competing for starting positions. Bishop had been benefiting from first-team reps alongside Damar Hamlin, especially in light of veteran safety Mike Edwards dealing with a hamstring injury.
Edwards’ injury had already left the safety position thin, and Bishop’s potential absence could further strain the team’s defensive setup.
Roster Adjustments
In response to the injuries, the Bills have made several roster moves to bolster their safety group. On Tuesday, the team signed veteran safety Kareem Jackson to a one-year contract.
Jackson, a 15-year NFL veteran, is expected to bring experience and stability to the position. Additionally, the Bills signed safety Terrell Burgess after releasing punter Jack Browning to make room on the roster.
Burgess, who spent the previous season with the Washington Commanders, brings depth and experience to the Bills’ secondary. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Burgess has played in 43 games over his career and was part of the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning team.
Future Prospects
The Bills’ coaching staff and management are now tasked with navigating these injuries while maintaining a competitive edge in training camp.
The hope is that Cole Bishop’s injury is not severe and that he can return to practice soon. However, until more information is available, the team must prepare for the possibility of Bishop missing significant time.
Veteran additions like Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess will be crucial in the short term. These players will need to quickly integrate into the defensive system and provide solid performances to ensure the team does not suffer from the loss of key players.
Conclusion
Cole Bishop’s injury has added to the Buffalo Bills’ early training camp woes, putting a spotlight on the team’s safety depth. With veteran Mike Edwards already sidelined, the team’s recent signings of Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess are timely.
As the Bills continue their preparations for the upcoming season, they will need to rely on the depth and resilience of their roster to overcome these challenges. The team’s ability to adapt and respond to these injuries will be critical in maintaining their competitive edge as they aim for a successful season.