Buffalo Bills’ Cole Bishop injury update: Sean McDermott warns ‘he has missed quite a bit of time’ ahead of NFL season

As the Buffalo Bills navigate the NFL offseason and prepare for training camp, safety Cole Bishop’s injury status has become a pressing topic. The second-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft was expected to be a key piece in the Bills’ defensive backfield this season.

However, setbacks in the preseason have cast a shadow on his availability, forcing the team to reconsider their safety depth. Head coach Sean McDermott recently spoke about Bishop’s situation and the limited time left for the young safety to make an impact before the regular season begins.

How injuries have slowed Cole Bishop’s progress after a strong rookie start

Coming out of the University of Utah, Cole Bishop was selected by Buffalo in the second round, joining his former college teammate and Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid in the 2024 draft class.

Buffalo’s general manager, Brandon Beane, has reshaped the roster to manage the salary cap while bringing in players expected to contribute quickly. Bishop fit that mold, offering speed and coverage ability in the safety role, a position critical to the Bills’ defense.During his rookie year, Bishop played behind starter Damar Hamlin but steadily gained experience. Despite an injury setback early in his first training camp, Bishop’s performance over the season earned him more snaps and attention.

This offseason, he impressed and moved ahead of Hamlin on the depth chart and was slated to start at safety heading into preseason action.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott stresses time is running out for Cole Bishop

The momentum Bishop had built was interrupted by a quad injury that caused him to miss six practices plus the opening preseason game. This absence has raised concerns within the coaching staff about how quickly he can return to full form. “Cole has missed quite a bit of time… It remains to be seen what he is truly able to do for us,” McDermott said, adding, “We’re getting short on time.”The safety position has seen other injuries as well, with Taylor Rapp also sidelined during preseason. Still, according to Buffalo’s first unofficial depth chart, Bishop holds the starting job, signaling the team’s confidence in him once he is healthy.

Bishop’s role depends on a quick recovery and strong performance

Even if Bishop isn’t fully ready at the season’s kickoff, he is expected to play significant snaps, starting alongside Rapp when both are available. His solid showing late last season and progress in the offseason program give the Bills hope he can live up to his draft status. Also read: Gabe Davis seated like a free agent–whether it was for the NFL or a podcast appearanceBishop’s health and ability to contribute could play a pivotal role in the team’s defensive success in 2025.