Buffalo’s safety spot remains unsettled as Cole Bishop fights back from injury-riddled development to prove he can be the complement to Taylor Rapp in 2024. Sean McDermott signaled the Bills aren’t settled on a second safety alongside Rapp, underscoring how injuries have slowed Bishop’s progression and how quickly the group must gel once the regular season begins.

In Chicago, Bishop’s coverage shortcomings surfaced on Olamide Zaccheaus’ 36-yard TD and highlighted the gap from the Poyer-Hyde era. The Bills lean on Rapp, Bishop’s rehab, and a veteran-heavy safety room while salting time itself for Bishop. With a brutal Ravens Week 1 slate looming, Buffalo needs a clearer path to two-safety consistency and a sharper run of practices to close the gap by Sept. 7.