Tyler Bass Recovery Update: Bills Kicker Nearing Return for Week 1

Those who have watched “Hard Knocks” know Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass is trying to get healthy.

But Bills coach Sean McDermott gave a positive update about Bass’ status as he tries to recover from an injury to his pelvis that has cost him the entire preseason.

Bass, who has been Buffalo’s kicker each of the past five seasons, has not taken a kick in an exhibition game to date. Although, veteran Caden Davis has been the primary kicker in camp, HBO and NFL Films caught reserve running back Ray Davis filling in on extra points in his absence in Buffalo’s preseason game against the New York Giants last weekend.

Bass has an 84.5 made field goal percentage over his career and 96.4 percent extra-points average over his NFL career.

What Did Sean McDermott Say About Tyler Bass’ Recovery?

Caden Davis seems capable of filling in in a pinch, and Ray Davis has proven he can blast home a 31-yard extra point, but the Bills surely want Bass back in time for Week 1.

Yet, according to McDermott, Buffalo may have him back for its final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“He’s moving in the right direction,” McDermott said. “We’re trying to take it, no pun intended, one step at a time where he is.”

McDermott detailed what the process for Bass was like. He also stated he and the organization aren’t trying to rush the process but are hopeful that Bass will be able to get in one preseason game before the Bills open their season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 7.

“Kicking from a stationary position, then getting one step, then two steps, and then into his approach,” McDermott said. “We’re really just trying to be smart and make sure we don’t have a setback and actually get him into a rhythm with the goal of him kicking at Tampa at this point.”

What Did Sean McDermott Say About The Backup QB Battle?

The backup-quarterback battle behind Josh Allen was defined as the primary position battle on episode 2 of “Hard Knocks,” yet according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Mitch Trubisky is narrowly ahead based on his play in joint practices against the Chicago Bears.

“Although it wasn’t an overwhelming day for backup quarterback competitor Mitchell Trubisky in his return to Halas Hall, he saw his lead for the backup QB job grow,” Buscaglia reported. “Mike White struggled against the Bears in team drills. Trubisky completed 10 of 14 passes and kept the offense moving.”

McDermott did not address the battle specifically, and the Democrat and Chronicle reported it as still a “dead heat” ahead of Sunday night’s preseason game.

McDermott did mention the handful of skirmishes that broke out at Bills practice Saturday. Although he didn’t love the fighting, the Bills coach acknowledged it was to be expected based on the Bears’ preseason trends.

“We talked about a little, really nothing specific other than we’re coming out here with a purpose,” McDermott said. “It’s a physical sport. It’s going to be physical. From what I hear, it was rather physical against the Dolphins when they were out here. And so I would say that we should probably expect the same.”