Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - On the heels of Sunday's 38-0 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Tuesday the team is still looking for who is going to start at safety opposite Taylor Rapp.
Cole Bishop is listed as the second starter on the team's unofficial depth chart, but just returned last week from a quad injury he suffered during training camp. Bishop and the rest of the defense who played Saturday night struggled.
McDermott was very matter-of-fact when talking about the position ahead of practice at One Bills Drive.
"I think we're looking for that other safety to play alongside of 'T-Rapp'," he told reporters Tuesday. "There's been really good moments for all those guys back there, young and some of the more veteran guys that are back there that have played for us. But I think we're still looking to find who is it going to be. And how consistent can they become. And how quickly can they grow if they're a younger player. So you're always looking to figure that other piece out. Right now for us, we know who 'T-Rapp' is. We know what he brings to the table. It's what other piece can go along with 'T-Rapp'?"
As far as Bishop himself, McDermott remained confident in his overall development as he continues to gain more practice time.
"From the time he's come back, it's just been a short runway to this point. He continues to improve," McDermott said. "There's so many subtle things that come up, even in the practice the other day against the Bears, that looks like a good practice. And then there's a little thing here that had he not practiced, he would not have experienced. So that adds callus to his experience and his resume, if you will. He has shown, to this point, that the ability, the skill level, can be there. We're just not there yet, so his refining process goes one day at a time, one rep at a time. And again, we're just kind of getting started because of what wasn't with his availability affects that."
Wide receiver Curtis Samuel was termed limited by McDermott prior to practice, but appeared to participate quite a bit in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work.
Offensive lineman Tylan Grable was in a red non-contact jersey as he continues to progress through the league's concussion protocol.
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