Notes from latest Buffalo Bills OTA session: Josh Allen, James Cook among those absent
The Buffalo Bills are back on the practice field at One Bills Drive this week as the team continues working through Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Tuesday was the lone session this week with media in attendance, which revealed a bit more than is typical of these practices.
Here's what we learned when the rubber turf pellets settled following the latest OTA session...
James Cook again not at OTAs
The least surprising news of the day was that running back James Cook continues his absent streak at OTAs. Bills Mafia is well aware of Cook's situation heading into the final season of his four-year rookie contract. Cook wants to be paid from the team that drafted him before he hits free agency, and like a top back in the league whose 2024 production warranted such a tag. The tougher conversations about Cook will begin if he's not in attendance once Mandatory Minicamp begins next week.
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That said, offensive coordinator Joe Brady understands the situation and isn't letting it distract the team from its offseason goals.
Cook wasn't the only players missing from OTAs on Tuesday, with Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic noting that defensive back Cam Lewis and quarterback Josh Allen were both absent. As is typical of such absences, no further information was available.
We do know that Josh Allen just married Hailee Steinfeld, so him missing an OTA practice or two should come as no surprise. It would seem more likely any honeymoon for the power couple happens once Allen gets an extended break following Mandatory Minicamp — but his isn't the only massively busy and important schedule to manage in this scenario, as Hailee Steinfeld continues to see her star rise as a successful Hollywood actress, singer, and fashion icon.
TLDR: There's zero cause for concern about Josh Allen's absence.
Plenty of Bills players listed non-participants during Tuesday's OTA
These sessions are somewhere in-between a typical practices and in-season walkthrus. That means players aren't allowed to engage in football contact, but they do run drills at speed to simulate how functions of a particular play are to be executed. Among those listed as non-participants on Tuesday were defensive end Joey Bosa, right tackle Spencer Brown, linebacker Baylon Spector, and safety Damar Hamlin.
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Bosa continues working through a recent calf injury, and we shouldn't expect to see him on the field until training camp — perhaps a generous timeline by the team out of an abundance of caution for his health. The move with Bosa, like Von Miller before him, will be to limit his exposure to risk and also keep him on a snap count.
The other names in Brown, Spector, and Hamlin are a bit surprising, with no updates to their health provided as of publishing. It's concerning to see Spector's name here given the amount of time he's already missed in his young career. Regarding Hamlin, his being sidelined could play heavily into the opportunity we've heard about regarding second-year safety Cole Bishop.
Additionally, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN reported that nickel cornerback Taron Johnson was participating in a red jersey, and only in limited fashion. That's not great news but, again, it could simply be the team exercising due diligence in protecting Johnson at all costs in the offseason.
Bills continue racking up injuries during Week 2 of OTAs
While many are concerned about Bosa's health, it's again potentially a situation of the team being overly cautious during a point when they can afford to do it. We of course can't know if Bosa would practice or suit up were this training camp or the regular season, but we understand it's something the team doesn't feel the need to rush him through to avoid missing key work at the moment.
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Yet Bosa is no longer the only concern. Alex Brasky reported that wide receiver Joshua Palmer left the field with what 'appeared to be a lower body injury.' After spending time with medical trainers in the field house, Palmer did return to the practice field with teammates. Hopefully it's a situation that doesn't linger for Palmer, who like so many other receivers on the team, undoubtedly benefits from every available snap right now, no matter who's throwing the football.
Do the Bills have a brewing LB controversy brewing?
Many will ask that very question, but I believe the answer is 'no.' Yes, linebacker Dorian Williams has 'shined' in sessions open to media, as noted by Alex Brasky, but it shouldn't come as any surprise. Nor should it surprise anyone if his continued development comes at the expense of snaps for veteran linebacker Matt Milano.
Milano has endured a brutal stretch of injury and the hope is that he's in the clear now and able to stay on the field. But Father Time is undefeated, and Milano's losing ground on that front. It may seem unfair for a guy in Milano who's played his tail off since day one, but Williams could find himself back in a starter's role during 2025 regardless of '58's' health.
Catching up with Bills players and coaches on the mic
If you didn't get to listen in during Tuesday's media availability, below are the full press conferences for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, offensive coordinator Joe Brady, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, plus cornerbacks Tre'Davious White and Dane Jackson, as well as safety Taylor Rapp.
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DC Bobby Babich
Bills Mafia already knows Bobby Babich is an engaging, often fun interview. Babich is a genuine football guy, someone very excited to talk about the players under his direction — from both their on-field work and ability, to their intangibles and what they bring to the table has people away from football. Babich gave the press a generous 23 minutes of his time, and he covered a lot of ground. Make sure to set aside some time to hear all Babich had to say, from rookies to veteran players, during Tuesday's media session — embedded below.
OC Joe Brady
Joe Brady was his usual conversational self, fully in the moment with reporters and ready to respond to any question posed before him. Brady covered a ton of topics in the 18 minutes he spent with members of the media on Tuesday, so be sure to catch up with his entire press conference below.
STC Chris Tabor
Catch up with all new special teams coordinator Chris Tabor had to say, including what he learned during a season away from coaching in 2024, how he sees returns changing in 2025, the competition at punter and lots more. You can watch his full press conference via the embedded video below.
CB Tre'Davious White
Pleasantly, White really appears back to his old self. It's arguable that Tre' White never really left the Bills in 2024, if you listen to the excited way he talks about last season's team when asked if anyone's ability has surprised him since returning.
'Did you see our offense last year? [eyes fluttering] Did you see the MVP?' [huge smile]'
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...before continuing to note how impressive it is for Allen to have won MVP and the team get to within one game of the Super Bowl. White did draw attention to wide receiver Khalil Shakir's game, stating 'his after catch, the way he attacked the ball and just not dropping anything; hands of Velcro, man
White had plenty more to offer, so be sure to check out his full presser below.
CB Dane Jackson
Dane Jackson chats with the media about returning to the Bills, his role with the team, and what he's observed about the defense and teammates since hitting the field at One Bills Drive.
S Taylor Rapp
Hear what Taylor Rapp had to say in a quick sideline interview with members of the media.
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