(TBP 1110) Bills Camp Observations: Defensive Line Dominance

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran has a bunch of observations from Buffalo Bills training camp including what’s indisputably become the biggest tory of camp—injuries seriously taking a toll on the roster and the James Cook saga taking an unexpected turn.

Injuries have been an issue for the Bills literally since the beginning of camp and they continue to be. The latest injury is star wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who got his ankle rolled up on during a run play at the Blue and Red scrimmage at Highmark Stadium this past Friday. The result was a high ankle sprain and head coach Sean McDermott is calling it a week to week injury, with speculation forming that it could take him right up against the start of the regular season in a little more than a month. Add Shakir to the list of notable names who’ve already missed or are missing valuable camp time now, a list that includes Terrell Bernard, Dawson Knox, Spencer Brown, Curtis Samuel, Cole Bishop, Taylor Rapp, Elijah Moore, Max Hairston and several others.

On the Cook front, the running back showed up but didn’t participate at all during practice Sunday, referring to the term “business” as a reply to every question asked why he missed and if he was “holding in” after. Patrick discusses if he thinks this may be a cautionary move by Cook because the sides may actually be closer to a deal, or if Cook is frustrated after showing up and participating in what he perceives as good faith but the sides not being close to a deal at all. Either way it’s not ideal for the Bills, not to mention now very likely a large focus point with HBO’s Hard Knocks debuting on Tuesday night.

Patrick also has several observations as the Bills head into their final week at St. John Fisher. Among them is a strong day for edge rusher AJ Epenesa, TJ Sanders starting to build momentum at defensive tackle, Cam Lewis being used all over the place, Deion Cain trying his best to make an impact at wide receiver, who’s stock is going considerably up and down lately and much more.