Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Organized team activities got underway for the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday in Orchard Park, and head coach Sean McDermott says all players, with the exception of running back James Cook, are present and accounted for with the voluntary workouts.
McDermott also had an unfortunate injury update with regards to a new addition to the defensive ends room.
"Joey Bosa will not participate today, he pulled a calf, I believe it was late last week. So he’ll be out for more than likely the foreseeable spring time, at least. But he should be good to go by training camp," said McDermott to open OTAs.
McDermott did say it’s concerning, in terms of durability and availability, which are key ties to the roster. He needs to look ahead, in terms of getting treatment.
With OTAs just beginning, there are no depth charts, as players integrate in.
“It’s a tough league and tough division, and it seems like it’s getting better every year," McDermott said. "We look forward to, and understand the challenge for us, and we need to take it one day at a time.
"There are some new faces, some new names, and we’re looking forward to getting to know them, and how they integrate into our overall team as we move forward here."
The Bills have been chosen for the first time to participate in HBO's “Hard Knocks”. McDermott says the team will just move forward with it.
"To some extent, I think it’s a real compliment for them choosing us," he said. "You look at it one of two ways: The opportunity is there for our fans to get an inside look into what happens, is it 100% inside - maybe not - but there’s a lot that we do that they’ll see. And there’s also just as much that people won’t see.
"It’s an opportunity for us to be who we are, people who are out to our stadium and see us live, and this will give them a chance to see us beneath the surface as well, and see how that rings true day in and day out.
"The challenge is the authenticity of who we are, and building that critical trust. That is so important in building a good, healthy relationship among players and staff, and with that, the trust piece is huge in bringing the team together. So that glue part is going to be challenged because of that third component, whether it’s microphones, a camera in different rooms and different conversations. But we are who we are."
After last season, McDermott talked about the improvement he’d like to see in wide receiver Keon Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid. He says he likes what he’s seen so far from both offensive weapons.
"Those guys are in that weight room and they’re working hard," McDermott said. "The attitude, the attendance, the guys understand what it takes and they’re focused."
As far as Coleman goes, McDermott says when he came back to town, he looked like he has been working to get into shape for his second season.
"You could tell he had been working drill wise, weight room wise," he said. "I’m real proud of what he has done to this point in the offseason, and continuing it now as we get into these three weeks of practice then on into the summer break."
2025 first-round pick Max Hairston has been in Orchard Park working with the team. McDermott says now is the time for him and other young players to get to know what is expect.
"For all these young guys, it’s new," he said. "You try to get to know them as people and their skillset, where they need to improve, and we do a skill and needs assessment. It’s integrating them and getting them moving, and we’re trying to get them into as much 'football shape' as we can."
Bills cornerback Christian Benford is an example of a player that was a low-round draft pick, but is now a starter and an important part of the Buffalo defense. McDermott feels players have to realize that there is opportunity to seize.
"In my first meeting with the young players, it was now that you’re inside the building, we don’t care where you were drafted. We have a number of undrafted free agents that make our team and have played big roles for our football team. It’s what you do with the opportunity that matters most," McDermott said.
NBA Hall-of-Famer and Bills minority owner Vince Carter was in attendence on Tuesday for McDermott’s press conference. The Bills’ head coach really enjoys being around Carter.
"My first interaction with Vince was the Tahoe Tournament, and you talk about high level performers. This is one right here," McDermott said of Carter. "I’m looking to learn from him as much as anyone.
"We were just talking, and I want to do it more because whether you’re an elite performer in football, in basketball or just in life overall, there’s a lot of similarities that I believe overlap.
"And if you can just pull one thing from someone and their experience, I think that helps you. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more curious, I’ve gotten about life and habits like this guy had over the years that make you great. I think that’s good for our team, it’s good for the organization, it’s great for Buffalo. Why not learn from someone like that?"
Carter’s No. 15 has been retired by the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets.