Bills HC Sean McDermott confident in LB Dorian Williams

Buffalo Bills Head coach Sean McDermott met with members of the media ahead of Monday’s practice at One Bills Drive. Following a lackluster preseason game against the Chicago Bears, McDermott’s main point was to emphasize the importance of growth and development during training camp.

“We’ve got to continue to develop these guys and bring these new pieces along,” he said in reference to an almost completely new wide receiver room and safety room. “I think we’ve done a really good job of developing players.”

McDermott also stressed the critical role of the practice squad in player development, saying that developing players and deciding who needs to stay with the team through the practice squad is a challenge for the coaching staff, and one that they will need to face soon as roster cut deadlines are looming.

McDermott went on to discuss his thoughts on rookie defensive end Javon Solomon’s progress through his first NFL training camp. He said that he has been impressed with the 23 year old’s mindset and work ethic as Solomon is among the first players to report every morning.

“He’s a physical guy. I love his aggressiveness, I love his physicality,” McDermott said about the 6’1”, 247-pound rookie out of Troy. “The biggest thing with Sully is that adjusting one’s game at the defensive end position to the NFL takes some time. Learning the game and learning how to adjust one’s game and the techniques that come with it take some time. There’s some things we can work with there.”

As for Dorian Williams, Buffalo’s third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, McDermott said that he has seen some growth in the linebacker’s game from one season to the next, and that he remains confident in his ability to contribute to the team this season.

“I saw some growth early in the game,” the Bills’ head coach said, referring to Williams’ play in Buffalo’s preseason loss to the Bears on Saturday. “Still, a lot of work to do. Still remain very confident in Dorian and I think this week will be a big step for him.”

Of course, McDermott also addressed the injuries plaguing Buffalo’s locker room early this summer, noting that quarterback Shane Buechele suffered a neck injury in Saturday’s game and, as we now know, is on Injured Reserve. McDermott also mentioned that safeties Mike Edwards and Cole Bishop, along with Nick Morrow will not play in this weekend’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Brian Thompson has a hamstring injury, and he will be week to week.” McDermott added to the growing list of injuries. The team ultimately waived/injured Thompson on Tuesday.

On a positive note, however, he said that Justin Shorter, Ty Johnson, La’el Collins, and Mack Hollins would all return in some capacity this week.