Sean McDermott says Dion Dawkins 'not where he needs to be' after COVID-19 stint

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott was blunt when asked about starting left tackle Dion Dawkins, who recently returned to the team after a stint on the COVID-19 reserve list.

“He’s not close to where he needs to be to play and help us,” McDermott said via The Buffalo News. “He’s got a long road here. He’s going to control what he can control, and so are we. He’s got to continue to work hard to get himself back to where he’s — I mean, this is what, going on week four of training camp at this point? So, he’s missed a lot of time.”

Dawkins was first placed on the COVID-19 reserve list at the start of camp after testing positive in late July, forcing him to miss the first three weeks of training camp. Although he was activated on Thursday, McDermott said Dawkins is still a ways away from playing.

McDermott told The Buffalo News that Dawkins has been working with trainers and has completed some individual drills since his activation, but he is not yet in shape to partake in team work. McDermott hinted that will not change anytime soon because Dawkins is not in game shape.

At the beginning of training camp, two offensive linemen—Dawkins and Ike Boettger—both tested positive for COVID-19. While Boettger has since returned, McDermott used Dawkins’ situation as an example.

“I’m sure there’s a ton of teachable moments as far as COVID goes,” McDermott continued. “Just hope that resonates with the people it needs to resonate with. Again, all of us. We need to all be vigilant about doing the right things.”