Bills at Steelers: QB Russell Wilson Wants to Play

AUG 15 RUSS A GO? Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury but on Saturday when the Steelers host the Buffalo Bills, he wants in.

Yeah, I've been working every single day,” Wilson said. “Even the days I was a little bit lighter in team, I was getting all the fundamental work, and then obviously over the last two weeks, I've really been building up a lot more reps in the team drills and everything else.

"So that's been great. I feel really good. I'm ahead of schedule."

It's Wilson vs. Justin Fields in a competition to win the job there, and it is closer than some would like to admit.

In the end? The 13-year veteran Wilson probably wants to play ... in order to keep his job.

AUG 15 BIGGEST WORRY? The AFC is loaded with scary skill position guys.

Is New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson atop the list when it comes to Bills defensive concerns?

He's posed back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons ... and that was without Aaron Rodgers .

Could Wilson be set for an even bigger type of season in 2024?

"Wilson is already considered a star-level player, but we're talking stratosphere levels of leap here," CBS Sports wrote . "The No. 1 receiver in Aaron Rodgers offenses always puts up monster receiving lines, and Wilson is as talented as anyone Rodgers has ever played with. He could have a Davante Adams-type season."

AUG 14 DANGERUSS? The Buffalo Bills have a lot of things to fix. But at least they have Josh Allen, so don't have to fix the QB.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, though? As they play host to the Bills in preseason Game 2 ... maybe the Bills get their first look at Russell Wilson - because he needs it ... needs it to quite possibly stay atop the depth chart.

Said NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the competition with Justin Fields: "It's a lot more open than I probably thought. And probably a lot more open than it would've been had Russell Wilson not get injured.''

With Wilson out while nursing that calf, Fields has at the very least shown off his athleticism - even amid some sloppiness.

Fields will surely play this weekend; he needs the work as he makes his bid.

And Wilson? Maybe he needs to play, too. To keep his job.

AUG 12 CALL RYAN? The Bills had a rough all-around day in their first preseason game, and some critics think that's largely due to backup quarterback play.

Mitch Trubisky and Shane Buechele combined to go 16 of 28 for 135 yards and an interception ... and Buffalo allowed eight sacks.

Sporting News offers an answer ...

"Luckily for Buffalo, there is a perfectly good quarterback available on the free agent market who could step in and immediately be Allen's backup - enter Ryan Tannehill.''

We will say this: Tannehill is more accomplished that some of the guys on NFL rosters today ... right?

AUG 11 FIRST TIME The game wasn't good. But Keon Coleman was.

The Buffalo Bills and top rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman made their preseason debut on Saturday in a mostly-ugly 33-6 loss to the Bears.

But Keon caught his first (preseason) NFL pass. It's a start.

“It was great,” Coleman said. “First time for everything, hoping there’s plenty more ... I’ve got a job to do. Come in, make plays, and help us win.

"I’m just eager to do that every day.”

There will be bigger days for Keon. And surely. ... better days for the Bills.

AUG 7 NEW YORK, NEW YORK? The New York Giants don't have Saquon Barkley. They have added veteran Devin Singletary, late of the Bills.

Do they need another Bills ex?

According to Bleacher Report , they do.

It is being suggested that Latavius Murray - who last year as a complement to Buffalo speedster James Cook offered up 300 yards and four scores – might be an answer.

Murray is, should he be signed up, the oldest active running back (at age 34) in the NFL. Our bet? The Giants don't see themselves as being that needy. Stay tuned.

SPEAKING OF COOK ...

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is gearing up for the 2024 season with ambitious benchmarks in mind. While Cook remains tight-lipped about his specific targets, his determination to excel is evident.

"I don’t think I should be saying it here, but I got my goals in my head that I want to achieve and accomplish," Cook shared during training camp. "Also, team goals, so as long as I keep checking those boxes off, I’ll be alright."

Cook's performance last year earned him Pro Bowl honors thanks to his impressive 1,122 rushing yards, the fourth-highest total in the NFL. With significant changes to Buffalo’s offense this offseason, Cook is expected to take on an even more prominent role.

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady is enthusiastic about Cook’s potential.

"Cook looks different this year. He’s stronger; he’s more put together. You can tell he put in a lot of work," Brady noted . "It’s important to him, and so I’m excited to just see him continue to evolve and get better."

Buffalo Bills 2024 NFL Season Preview: Same Josh Allen, Different Supporting Cast

Brady’s confidence in Cook’s abilities aligns with the running back’s secretive yet ambitious goals. The coach believes Cook has what it takes to be an every-down rusher in 2024, a testament to the hard work and dedication Cook has shown throughout the offseason.

As the Bills prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Cook to see if he can surpass his impressive achievements from last year. His performance will be crucial to Buffalo's offensive success, and his personal drive is likely to be a key factor in the team’s overall progress.