The Buffalo Bills end their 2024 camp with major injury concerns and a James Cook contract hold-in, casting doubt on their preseason opener vs. the Giants.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The buses are packed and training camp in Rochester is officially a wrap, but the Buffalo Bills aren't heading back to Orchard Park with the clean bill of health they'd hoped for. Instead, a mounting injury list and the ongoing 'hold-in' of star running back James Cook have cast a shadow over the end of camp, creating a challenging backdrop for the team's first preseason test this Saturday.
You guys know how I feel about James and the love I have for him, and all that’s out of my control in my hands.
The final days of training camp felt less like a tune-up and more like a triage session. The Bills' injury report has grown uncomfortably long, forcing offensive coordinator Joe Brady to adjust on the fly. Compounding the issue is the 'hold-in' of running back James Cook, who is attending meetings but sitting out practices to protect himself while seeking a new contract. The situation became the central theme of the debut episode of HBO's 'Hard Knocks,' which disappointed some fans by focusing heavily on the team's struggles rather than the usual camp optimism. Brady addressed the Cook situation, stating it's out of his hands, a sentiment that highlights the challenging line the coaching staff must walk.
Despite the turmoil, the NFL season waits for no one. The Bills announced their initial plan for the preseason opener against the New York Giants this Saturday. While reigning MVP Josh Allen's status is still undecided, the team confirmed that if he does play, his appearance will be brief. The spotlight will instead be on the battle for the backup quarterback role, with Mitch Trubisky and Mike White expected to handle the majority of the snaps. It's a critical evaluation for the front office and a chance for fans to see who has the inside track for the QB2 spot.
The injuries have forced General Manager Brandon Beane to be active on the waiver wire. This week, the team signed linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo after placing Baylon Spector on the waive/injured list. This follows other recent depth signings like DE Justin Hollins and OL Dan Feeney. These moves underscore the 'next man up' mentality, which also provides a massive opportunity for the 2025 draft class. First-round CB Maxwell Hairston and second-round DT T.J. Sanders will be players to watch as they look to carve out roles amidst the veteran absences.
All this early-season adversity is playing out against a backdrop of massive expectations. The NFL has scheduled the Bills for five primetime games in 2025, a clear nod to their status as a premier league attraction. The national spotlight begins immediately with a Week 1 showdown at home against the Baltimore Ravens on September 7. Between 'Hard Knocks,' a packed primetime slate, and even a Hallmark Channel holiday movie, all eyes are on Buffalo. The pressure is on to resolve the current issues before they threaten to derail a season with Super Bowl aspirations.
With training camp in the rearview mirror, the focus now shifts to game action. The immediate test is Saturday against the Giants, but the larger questions loom. Can the Bills get key players healthy? Will the James Cook situation find a resolution before it impacts the regular season? With the bright lights of a championship-or-bust season waiting, overcoming this early adversity will be the first major hurdle for the 2025 Buffalo Bills.
