Sean McDermott Announces Positive Update on Bills Kicker Tyler Bass

Tyler Bass's Recovery and the Backup Quarterback Battle

Fans of the "Hard Knocks" series are well aware that Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass is currently working through a challenging recovery. The injury to his pelvis has kept him from participating in any exhibition games so far, which means he hasn't taken a single kick during the preseason. Despite this setback, head coach Sean McDermott has offered some encouraging updates regarding Bass’s progress.

Bass, who has been the Bills’ kicker for the past five seasons, has a strong track record with an 84.5% field goal success rate and an impressive 96.4% extra-point percentage throughout his NFL career. His absence has led to veteran Caden Davis stepping in as the primary kicker during training camp. However, there was a moment of surprise when HBO and NFL Films captured reserve running back Ray Davis filling in for extra points during the Bills' recent preseason game against the New York Giants.

McDermott remains optimistic about Bass's return, stating that the kicker is “moving in the right direction.” He emphasized the importance of taking things slowly, ensuring that Bass doesn’t suffer a setback in his recovery. The plan is to get Bass into one more preseason game before the regular season begins on September 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.

“Kicking from a stationary position, then getting one step, then two steps, and then into his approach,” McDermott explained. “We’re really just trying to be smart and make sure we don’t have a setback and actually get him into a rhythm with the goal of him kicking at Tampa at this point.”

Backup Quarterback Competition Intensifies

While the focus has been on Bass’s recovery, another key storyline emerging from the Bills’ training camp is the competition for the backup quarterback role behind Josh Allen. Episode 2 of "Hard Knocks" highlighted this battle, and according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Mitch Trubisky has gained a slight edge over Mike White based on his performance in joint practices against the Chicago Bears.

Trubisky completed 10 out of 14 passes and kept the offense moving, while White struggled during team drills. However, the competition is still considered a “dead heat” ahead of the upcoming preseason game, as reported by the Democrat and Chronicle. McDermott did not directly address the quarterback battle but acknowledged the physical nature of the sport, especially given the recent trends in the Bears’ preseason games.

Physicality and Team Dynamics

During a practice session, several skirmishes occurred, which McDermott noted were expected given the intensity of the preseason. Although he wasn’t pleased with the fighting, he recognized that it's part of the physical nature of football.

“We talked about a little, really nothing specific other than we’re coming out here with a purpose,” McDermott said. “It’s a physical sport. It’s going to be physical. From what I hear, it was rather physical against the Dolphins when they were out here. And so I would say that we should probably expect the same.”

The Bills’ coaching staff continues to balance the need for competitiveness with the importance of maintaining discipline and focus. As the team prepares for the regular season, the health of key players like Bass and the development of the backup quarterback will be crucial factors in their success.

With the final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the horizon, the Bills are hopeful that Bass will be able to make an appearance and regain his rhythm. The team’s approach reflects a careful, measured strategy aimed at ensuring long-term success rather than rushing into action.