Buffalo #Bills safety Taylor Rapp is dealing with hip and back injuries. Here are the latest updates.
The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off in an epic AFC Championship Game showdown this evening. With the Chiefs in hot pursuit of a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, it will take every ounce of the Bills’ might to stop them.
One of Buffalo’s starting safeties, Taylor Rapp, was listed on the Bills’ injury report this week.
Will Rapp be available to help slow down Kansas City’s offense?
Taylor Rapp injury update
Rapp was carted off the field during Buffalo’s divisional-round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens last week. Fortunately, he did not suffer any broken bones, but his injury kept him from practicing this week.
How long will Taylor Rapp be out?
Rapp has been ruled out for today’s matchup. He will not be present against the Chiefs in the championship round of the NFL playoffs.
Bills SS depth chart
The Bills are set to rely on rookie safety Cole Bishop to replace Rapp when they face the Chiefs.
What we learned from the Bills’ Week 17 win vs. Jets
The Buffalo Bills ar rounding out their 2024 schedule, most recently with a Week 17 win over the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, 40-14.
The Bills (13-3) and Jets (4-12) have trended in opposite directions for much of this season, the former being dubbed as overachievers and the latter underachievers. Buffalo took care of business at home against a struggling New York squad and have now positioned themselves firmly as the second seed in the AFC playoffs with a week to spare in the regular season.
Next, the Bills will take on the New England Patriots (3-13) on the road at Gillette Stadium without anything to play for in Week 18.
Granted, it was over the four-win Jets, but they bucked some trends that could be telling for what’s to come in the postseason.
Buffalo had a quarterback pressure rate of 43.2%, which ranked fifth out of every team in Week 17. For the season, they rank middle-of-the-pack in the NFL with a pressure rate of 34.7%. And, they only blitzed 13% of the time on Sunday. This is a sign that the defensive line is stepping up down the stretch.
The Bills also held Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers without a third-down conversion (0-for-5). Going into the game, Buffalo’s defense ranked among the worst in the NFL on third downs. They ranked 32nd in the NFL against the pass on third down and 31st against the run (EPA/play).
These are good signs from the defense for what’s to come. The two-seed is wrapped up and the defense can continue to get healthy for the final run.
Cooper and Coleman provide a huge boost for the offense
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Wide receivers Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman haven’t been on the field consistently for the Bills, and when they have been on the field they haven’t gotten consistent targets. But one thing is clear: they can make plays when given the opportunity.
Cooper has played only eight games for Buffalo this year and has seen three or fewer targets in six of them. Coleman has played in 12 games and has seen two or fewer targets in five.
The Bills haven’t needed to break glass in case of emergency much at all this season. So, two of their better playmakers have had limited touches. But, as you saw in Week 17, they are more than capable of coming down with difficult catches when relied upon.
Both found the endzone against the Jets on highlight-reel plays. In the postseason, the Bills may lean on them a bit more, especially Cooper who has been around the block in the NFL without getting many chances in the postseason.
Cole Bishop flashing potential at safety
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Second-round rookie Cole Bishop has three starts under his belt, the latest being Week 17 as he filled in for Damar Hamlin.
Bishop has made his share of rookie mistakes, but he has shown flashes of what he can become and why he was picked early in April’s NFL Draft. Head coach Sean McDermott has been impressed with him.
Ahead of the Week 17 game, McDermott said, “I’m impressed with his improvement, and it’s good to see. His first game [Week 5 at HOU] was a bit rocky as it is for most rookies… it’s been fun to watch Cole develop so we’re looking for more as the season moves forward here.”
Bishop, even as a rookie, seems to give the run defense a boost at the very least with his downhill style of play. He’ll be one to watch in the final week of the season. He could be a starter come Week 1 of 2025 and may be needed before that.
Baldy’s Breakdown: Bills stacking wins using NFL best turnover differential
Sean McDermott’s Buffalo Bills have continuously beaten their opponents this year by winning the turnover battle, and Sunday night in Week 13 was no different.
The Bills (10-2) forced the San Francisco 49ers (5-7) to turn the ball over three times and had no turnovers of their own in the 35-10 victory.
The Bills lead the NFL in turnover differential at +17. They are second in the league for most takeaways (24) and second in the league with the fewest giveaways (7). They are also second in fumbles recovered (11).
Add all of these components together and you can get a good picture as to why the Bills are 10-2 on the year before even mentioning the team’s points scored and points allowed.
On Sunday, the Bills did what they have been doing all year: they forced their opponent to cough up the ball. Cornerback Christian Benford recovered a fumble forced by safety Taylor Rapp, Jalen Virgil recovered a fumble forced by Cole Bishop on special teams, and pass rusher Greg Rousseau recovered a Brock Purdy fumble.
“One reason the Bills have won seven in a row, and are running away with the AFC East again, is their ability to take the ball away,” said NFL Network and Fox Sports analyst Brian Baldinger in his post-game breakdown. “They are taking it away on average two times per game. You keep doing that, you keep winning.”
Their current turnover differential (+17) is much improved from the previous two years. In 2023, the Bills posted a +2 turnover differential, and in 2022 they broke even (0).
It’s not just the defense causing turnovers that is the reason for their leap over the past two years. A big reason for the improvement is the fact that the offense, and more specifically quarterback Josh Allen, is taking care of the ball.
Last year through 12 games, Allen already had 13 interceptions. This year, he has five.
The offense had zero turnovers in Week 13, and that now makes it six games out of twelve where the Bills have not given the ball away. Last year, the Bills only had three such games over the entire year.
McDermott expressed his pleasure with Allen and the offense taking care of the ball earlier this year, saying, “He’s done a tremendous, tremendous job… he really has, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the way we’ve protected the house on offense. His level of decision-making has increased this season and been very important to our team.”
Taking care of the ball always gives you a chance to win. Add on top of the league-leading turnover differential the fact that the Bills are second in the NFL in points per game, and you can see why they are one of the favorites to win the Lombardi Trophy.
Four Bills rookies primed for increased opportunities vs. Texans
The Buffalo Bills have been hit with the injury bug to start their 2024 campaign.
Injuries are always a big factor in any NFL season, but the Bills keep losing vital pieces to their team, and the losses are starting to pile up.
Already down to their backup linebackers and nickel back, the team is now without defensive tackle Ed Oliver (hamstring) and safety Taylor Rapp (concussion). So, now the injury bug has affected all three levels of the defense.
It has started to make its way to the offense as well, as starting slot receiver Khalil Shakir has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Injuries are never good for a team, but for young individuals finally getting their break, it’s a great opportunity to put their play on film.
Due to injury (and the suspension of Von Miller), four Bills rookies will be stepping into a presumed bigger role on Sunday: defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, safety Cole Bishop, defensive end Javon Soloman, and wide receiver Keon Coleman.
DeWayne Carter
(Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
DeWayne Carter is now thrust into a more prominent role on the defensive line in the absence of Ed Oliver. Carter hasn’t seen much action to start his rookie year. He has played just 81 snaps through four games. Last week against Baltimore he played his most amount of snaps (26) and was able to record two tackles and an assist. The Bills were excited to be able to draft Carter after adding a third-round pick in a draft day trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now it’s time to see what the former Duke Blue Devil team captain is all about.
Cole Bishop
Sep 23, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop (24) in pass coverage against Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tim Jones (15) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Cole Bishop saw his first extended work of the season in Week 4 after Rapp left the game. He played 41 snaps and logged three tackles. According to PFF, he had a 33% missed tackle rate, so that is something he will have to improve on. He is now making his first career start. The instincts in coverage on the second level and the ability to break down and make tackles is on tape from his time at the University of Utah. Now he has to prove he can learn quickly at the next level. He will face a big test in his first start going up against a dangerous Texans’ passing attack.
Javon Solomon
Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Rookie edge defender Javon Solomon’s 16 sacks at Troy led the FBS in 2023. And, in limited snaps so far this year (17 total), he has shown flashes. With Von Miller being suspended four games, now is Solomon’s time to shine. Through his first 17 pro snaps, he has posted an impressive 93.3 defense grade and a 93.6 pass rush grade, according to PFF. His pass rush grade only trails Aidan Hutchinson and Myles Garrett in the entire NFL. They each have over 100 pass rush snaps while Solomon only has 11, but the flashes are there.
Keon Coleman
Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Bills’ number one wide receiver Khalil Shakir will miss the game Sunday. While Shakir and Coleman don’t line up in the same spots often, there will still be more targets to go around on offense. Coleman and quarterback Josh Allen were able to get on the same page in the second half of Week 4’s loss. They connected on two impressive back-shoulder receptions on the sideline. Coleman has the physical size and athletic ability to out-jump and out-reach mostly any secondary defender. Now that he has more trust in his quarterback, and with Shakir being out, it will be interesting to see how much they lean on their top draft choice from April.
#Bills’ Cole Bishop eager to get back to full health: ‘Good to be back out there’
Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop might be taking in his first NFL action on Saturday when his team hosts the Carolina Panthers in their preseason finale.
Bishop was wearing a red non-contact jersey in practice this week. He’s recovery from a shoulder injury but it’s unclear whether or not Bishop will be good in time for kickoff. He has yet to feature in the preseason.
Regardless, the positive update has been a welcoming one for the second-round rookie.
“Good to be back out there,” Bishop said via video conference. “Obviously I’d rather be out there playing but its been an opportunity to get out there and get some mental reps. Different perspective when you’re on the sideline, you’re able to see more.”
Despite the positive improvement, Bishop still might have a ways to do. Buffalo defensive coordinator Bobby Babich made that known this week.
Babich mentioned that Bishop knows he’s “behind the eight ball” in terms of knowing he has catching up to do.
“We’ve been able to do a couple of things here and there,” Babich said. “We’ve used some different resources and things of that nature, different ways we can test him mentally. When the bullets are flying on game day or even in practice, for that matter, it’s different. It’s a day-by-day process, and he’s got to continue to grow.”
As noted, it remains to be seen if Bishop gets on the field in time for Saturday’s 1 p.m. kickoff. It wouldn’t be the worst thing for a rookie to get his feet wet in the NFL before the regular season. Bills Wire will provide updates when information is made available.
For more from Bishop, see the attached clip below:
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#Bills’ Cole Bishop returns to practice in red non-contact:
Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop made his return to practice this week ahead of his team’s preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers.
Bishop, a second-round rookie, could have an opportunity in that final exhibition contest to grab playing time during the regular season. Before then, he still has a little bit of work to do in terms of his health.
While back working out with his teammates, Bishop was still sporting a red non-contact jersey during practice on Thursday.
Will Bishop be ready in time for kickoff?
Bishop at practice can be seen in the WKBW-TV clip below:
Both Mike Edwards and Cole Bishop taking reps today. Good sign to see Edwards back
#Bills won’t ‘flinch’ at safety injuries: ‘No panic, no nothing, next guy up’
The Buffalo Bills have an injury problem at safety.
That is, in everyone’s eyes except Bobby Babich.
The defensive coordinator discussed the bumps and bruises that are ongoing at the position at training camp this week. Second-round rookie Cole Bishop (shoulder) joined Mike Edwards (hamstring) on the sideline. Both are considered “week-to-week.”
That forced the team’s hand to sign a pair of free agents, Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess. However, Damar Hamlin is now at top of the depth chart as he was battling Bishop and Edwards for a starting spot.
Despite all that, Babich said he won’t let his team “flinch” at the injury issue.
“No panic, no nothing, next guy up. We’ll move forward,” Babich said.
At the other safety spot there was a bit more compassion found.
Taylor Rapp looks cemented into a starting spot there as the Bills look for his partner.
“It’s kind of unfortunate,” Rapp said via video conference. “Seen a lot of growth from them.”
“It’s always next-man up mentality, especially in this business,” Rapp added.
For more from Babich, see the attached clip below:
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#Bills injury update: Cole Bishop considered ‘week-to-week’
The Buffalo Bills are set to be without one of their top rookie draft picks for an extended period.
The team announced that the second-round selection is considered “week-to-week” with a shoulder injury.
Bishop picked up the knock during Tuesday’s practice. He was spotted sporting an arm wrap after the session. The Bills did not have practice on Wednesday and the team updated Bishop’s status during their ensuing workout on Thursday at St. John Fisher University.
Bishop’s injury hit come at a tough time for him and the defense. Veteran Mike Edwards (hamstring) also has a “week-to-week” designation slapped on him.
That leaves Damar Hamlin as the current frontrunner to start at safety alongside Taylor Rapp… simply because of Hamlin’s availability as the lone healthy player left in what was a three-player battle for a starting spot.
Because of all the injuries, Buffalo signed Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess this week.
With the preseason yet to begin, Bishop and others will still have a chance to earn a starting spot–But they’ll have to get back on the field soon.
Bills Wire will continue to provide all injury updates throughout the 2024 season.
#Bills rookie Cole Bishop is latest safety injured at training camp:
Add Cole Bishop to the recently growing injury list for the Buffalo Bills at 2024 training camp.
On Tuesday, the Bills were back in pads during their workout at St. John Fisher University. During an 11-on-11 period, Bishop left the field and did not return.
According to the Rochester D&C, Bishop’s arm was seen “heavily wrapped” after the practice.
Bishop’s full diagnosis is currently unknown, meanwhile, Edwards was called “week-to-week” by head coach Sean McDermott.
Prior to Bishop’s injury, the Bills announced that veteran safety Kareem Jackson was signed as extra depth following Edwards’ hamstring issue. Now Bishop makes that add look even smarter, but the Bills will want the promising rookie in Bishop to get back out on the field as soon as possible.
Bills Wire will provide updates as information is made available.
The Bills have some interesting rookies who should play some this season but we can’t wait to watch Keon Coleman catching passes from Josh Allen.
When you have a quarterback like Josh Allen, your top priority has to be getting him players who can maximize his tremendous potential. This is exactly what the Buffalo Bills did when they picked former Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
In going over the Bills picks from 2024 as well as their current roster during training camp, Coleman projects to be the team’s only rookie starter. However, we have our eye on two other Bills rookies who could see significant rookie reps on defense.
Safety Cole Bishop is a great all-around player who is backing up Taylor Rapp right now but his athleticism should give him a foot in the door as the team’s third safety and interior coverage safety.
Defensive lineman DeWayne Carter is another guy who is pro-ready enough to be a rotational defensive lineman with Ed Oliver and Daquan Jones.
Finally, we have to mention former Penn State cornerback Daequan Hardy. Hardy is no threat to take over the nickel cornerback but he definitely has a foothold on being the team’s primary punt returner.
