Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘The Bills remain the second-smallest media market in the NFL, behind only Green Bay. But despite those market constraints, Buffalo continues to punch above its weight.’

‘Cook, is not exactly the most talkative player on the team, did sit down in front of reporters after practice wearing a big smile for most of the session.’

‘“Yeah, you get a little bit … there is some level of frustration,” he said. “You always deal with things this time of year or through the course of a season and you adjust. That’s what we as coaches do and you can only control what you can control and in some ways same for the player. That pairing up is critical, probably more than any position on the field, offensively, defensively. If we want to be a good defense, you’ve got to have two safeties that can play football for you.”’

‘McDermott “expected” Cook to practice every day of the fourth-year player’s hold in, but that of course did not happen, and Cook also skipped the Bills’ preseason opener Saturday. He agreed to put on the uniform and go through the warmup, but he made it clear he was not playing as he continued his protest regarding his lack of a contract extension.’

‘Based on what we’ve seen so far, the Bills may have to dedicate a spot solely to a return man who won’t bring much value to his respective position which is what they did for the most part last season with Brandon Codrington. He handled both jobs, but that was all he provided because he was essentially unplayable as a backup cornerback.’

‘Taylor Rapp (knee) and Cole Bishop (quad) have missed more than a week of practice time and the first preseason game, and coach Sean McDermott admitted that the situation is becoming worrisome because the Bills need their safety duo to start getting reps together.’

‘Cook continues to stay away because of his contract, and right now that’s fine because Davis needs the work. Outside of the extra point he made, it was not a great day for him on the ground and he needs to be better, especially if he shoulders a bigger burden should the Cook hold in extend much longer. Johnson looked very good on his three rush attempts, and Gilliam made a nice 19-yard pass reception.’

‘That was the pact between Rogers and his best friend when they were freshmen at the University of Nebraska: no haircuts until both their football careers were over. They both kept it. His friend had to stop playing for medical reasons but still hasn’t picked up the scissors.’

‘If Shenault makes the team it’ll be because of his versatility. Buffalo doesn’t have a clear-cut return specialist and four different players returned kicks or punts against the Giants. Shenault had the best return average on both, averaging 31 yards on two kickoff returns and taking one punt for 7 yards. He also had one catch for 17 yards and added a 2-point conversion reception from Mike White to give Buffalo a 25-24 lead in the fourth quarter.’

‘Three defensive backs and a linebacker exited in the 34-25 loss to the New York Giants.’

‘”I think it’s good for Ray to get a little bit as an emergency kicker during the season, to get maybe a little small warm-up or maybe an extra point,” McDermott said. “See if we can score and get an extra point there for him.”’

‘Still, the consensus belief was that he would not even be in uniform Saturday, so whether this is a step in the direction of progress in his contract negotiation, we’ll have to wait and see, but this was at least a good sign.’

‘It was pretty clear that the coach is getting irritated by the running back’s continued absence.’

‘Johnson looked fantastic on the Giants’ opening drive, tackling tight end Daniel Bellinger on the first possession for no gain.’

‘Unlike their counterparts in Buffalo, Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, both of who are rock solid in their positions now into their ninth years, this is probably a make-or-break season for Daboll and Schoen in New York.’