Prior to the start of the first training camp practice of 2018, Bills head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane addressed some of the most pressing issues entering camp. Below are some of the highlights of what the Bills' brass had to say.
1. Status of LeSean McCoy entering camp and the 2018 season
Brandon Beane is prepared to let all processes surrounding McCoy sort themselves out as camp progresses.
"LeSean is here and we are letting the investigators handle all of that," he said. "We have done our due diligence."
Beane also stressed that the Bills have been in constant contact with the NFL about McCoy's status.
"We've talked to the NFL and we have done what we can do from our end," he said.
Both Beane and McDermott are confident that McCoy will be present with the team into the regular season, but they are also prepared should anything unexpected happen along the way.
"It's a position of strength for us," said McDermott of the running back group. "Chris Ivory has played a lot of football. What [Travaris] Cadet can do, what Marcus [Murphy] can do; we've got guys that we believe in."
When asked what the response of the team would be regarding McCoy, McDermott stressed the cohesive nature of this Bills team.
"We address a lot as a team," he said. "That's what teams do. They are a family. You can talk things through and move forward."
2. Quarterback rotation early in camp
With veteran free agent signing A.J. McCarron, second-year man Nathan Peterman, and first-round pick Josh Allen in the mix; both Beane and McDermott are planning to be patient with the rotation of the three.
"We're going to pick up where we left off in terms of how we rep our quarterbacks," said McDermott. "Josh will work with the threes for the base of the work, and A.J. and Nate will work with the ones. You will see Josh in with the ones (for one period), just like you did at the end of the spring."
McDermott also expressed his desire to see them compete on a larger stage at camp and throughout the preseason.
"I'm anxious to watch them get out here today and compete just like every other position, and to see them put their best foot forward," he said.
Training camp is a tremendous learning experience for any player, and McDermott echoed that sentiment regarding Allen.
"We try to learn from every situation, and Josh is no different," he said.
“Zay Jones is chomping at the bit, and I know he will be as excited as anybody to get back out there. We are holding him back more than he is probably holding himself back.” Bills general manager Brandon Beane
3. Zay Jones' eager to contribute
After a minor knee procedure earlier this year, Brandon Beane stressed that placing Jones on the non-football injury list is precautionary for the most part.
"He can do certain things," said Beane. "It is just a designation so that we can continue rehabbing."
Beane also stated that a hasty approach to Jones' situation would not be beneficial for anyone involved.
"We just don't want to rush him," he said.
Although the rehab process can be frustrating at times, Beane knows that Jones is certainly ready to compete when the time is right.
"He's chomping at the bit, and I know he will be as excited as anybody to get back out there," said Beane. "We are holding him back more than he is probably holding himself back."
An intelligent approach to the situation appears to be the route that Beane and McDermott are hoping to have with Jones.
"The last thing you want to do is have a setback right now," said Beane.
