Lynch returns to practice; Peters still sitting
by Brian Galliford on Dec 26, 2008 9:30 AM EST
in News
40 comments
After resting his ailing shoulder injury on Wednesday, Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch returned to practice Christmas Day and, barring any unforeseen setbacks, should be available for the Bills' season finale home tilt against the New England Patriots.
Veteran linebacker Kawika Mitchell, who also missed practice Wednesday with a knee ailment, returned to practice yesterday and, like Lynch, should be available Sunday.
Meanwhile, Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters missed his second straight day of practice Thursday, leaving his status for Sunday's Patriots game much more up in the air. Kirk Chambers filled in for Peters in last Sunday's win over Denver, and he would get the call once again if Peters is unable to go. There is no word on whether Peters will play through his knee injury to avoid missing a second straight Pro Bowl.
Receiver Roscoe Parrish (knee) missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday as well; he injured his knee in practice prior to Sunday's win, but was able to play. If he can't go, rookie Steve Johnson is likely to see more playing time. Johnson has recorded a touchdown reception in each of Buffalo's past two games.
Cornerback Jabari Greer, like last week, was limited the past two days, and his status will likely be questionable for the Pats game. Linebacker Teddy Lehman will also likely be questionable.
Speaking of Jabari Greer, Chris Brown of the official site spoke with the corner about his upcoming free agency. Greer didn't exactly keep it a secret that he'd prefer to stay in Buffalo, but also seems to realize that names like McKelvin, Corner and Youboty could lead to his landing elsewhere. Regardless, he's about to see a significant increase in pay.
ESPN.com's Tim Graham gives us another article in which we hear that head coach Dick Jauron still has the respect and admiration of his unified locker room. For a second straight week, the Bills will theoretically be playing to save their coach's job. That's a great sentiment and all, but when did playing to win become inadequate motivation for a football team?
Well, if playing to win and saving your coach's job isn't enough motivation, receiver Josh Reed's got it right: playing to spoil a Patriots playoff bid is certainly motivating. 10 straight losses to the Pats might dull some of that enthusiasm, however...
Jerry Sullivan decides to set aside his campaign against Dick Jauron to sing the praises of Bill Belichick. Having respect for what a man's done is one thing, but using the success of an enemy to repeatedly poke at your own organization's downfalls is, quite frankly, a bit too nauseating for my taste. Maybe you disagree.
Joe P ought to enjoy this one. Mark Gaughan thinks the Bills would be smart to buck their trends and draft a tight end that is one-dimensional (read: a pass-catcher). I agree. The Bills have two very good, well-rounded tight ends in Derek Fine and Derek Schouman to do the dirty work at the position. They can be excellent reserves. A guy like Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham, for example, would diversify Buffalo's inconsistent offense in ways that Fine and Schouman can only dream of.
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I love this quote
If this is a must-win game, I actually feel sorry for Jauron
Yeah right, more like: “Jauron is in a must-win situation and I can’t wait to see him fail so I will have even more ammo to use to call for his head.”
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Dec 26, 2008 10:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sullivan
While I’m not a fan of Jerry, I actually enjoyed his recent column. If I were Ralph Wilson, and after owning the Bills for 50 years had to watch Belichick’s teams totally embarras the product my organization was putting on the field, I’d be equally embarrassed at the standard I was settling for.
by radan on Dec 26, 2008 10:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
So just to recap the injury status of the Big 3,
Lynch and Mitchell – Hurt but will play because they want to help their teammates beat the Pats and save Jauron’s job.
Peters – May not play because he wants to be healthy for the Pro Bowl and audition for other teams. Looks like his “me first”, money hungry attitude showing through again. I would not be surprised if Peters wants out of Buffalo. He is going to ask for so much money that the Bills will be forced to trade him, which is probably his plan. After we put Edwards’ brain in JP’s body, can we do the same with Preston and Peters?
I will miss Greer. I met Greer a year or two after he was drafted. He was signing autographs at an M&T bank during the Christmas holiday. He was a very funny and friendly guy. I liked him right away, but though he was to small to play CB. He may be small, but he plays big! Best of luck to you, Greer!
The link to Mark G.’s article did not work for me. Too bad, I guess I will have to watch an episode of “The Twilight Zone” instead. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzlG28B-R8Y
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 26, 2008 10:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wow
You have some serious pent up aggression Joe. That was an awful lot of assumptions you just made about Peters and not bit of it was anything other then your speculating. Why would Peters hold out to get a new contract if he was secretly wanting out of Buffalo?
Does this even make a little bit of sense?: I’m not reporting to camp until you give me a new contract, but I really hope that you don’t so that you will trade me elsewhere.
The guy is one of the best players at his position in the NFL and he wants to be paid like it. There is nothing more to it and to read more then that into it is your own paranoid speculations. If you were one of the best people in your profession and had the awards to show for it you would tell your boss, “Pay me or I will find someone else who will.”
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Dec 26, 2008 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he really is hurt! Nobody seems to consider that. haha
~K
by Kurupt on Dec 26, 2008 11:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody seems to consider the fact that it’s the coaches who hold athletes out of practices and games, too…
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Dec 26, 2008 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True,
but what the players says about how he feels is obviously a big part of that decision. If the player says, “I can’t go coach”, that is pretty much the end of it.
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 26, 2008 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but I still think that Peters would play if he could play.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Dec 26, 2008 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He could be
A lot of players are “hurt” this time of year and play anyway. Would he be playing if the Bills needed the game to get to the post season?
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 26, 2008 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
According to the story,
Lynch is hurt and is planning on playing. I am sure Greer and Parrish will play if they can. Why?….Because I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt because they have not shown themselves to be a selfish, “me first” player like Peters has.
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 26, 2008 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course it is speculation!!!
And, what happen to him last year could be the reason he wants out. He didn’t get his way!!!! The poor baby had to play a whole year for peanuts!!!!!
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 26, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A few distingtions that need to be made:
1st – Sitting out in the hope of getting a new deal and being a whinny baby as you depict him are two totally different things. He is trying to insure his financial future which is at risk with every snap he plays in the NFL.
2nd – Because he asked for and didn’t get a new deal, doesn’t mean that he now wants out of Buffalo.
3rd – There is no evidence what so ever to suggest that he ISN’T hurt, and you saying as much doesn’t make it true.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Dec 26, 2008 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You seem to what to say
that I am claiming my statements are factual. I have already said they are speculation, based on nothing more than what I think of Peters from his past actions. I hope that is clear enough for you. As to you points:
1. I could care less if Peters can only afford a 50 ft yacht as opposed to a 75 ft yacht. His financial future is a joke to me!
2. No, but because Peters clearly feels he is in the right, the way he was treated by the Bills front office didn’t give him any “warm and fuzzy” feelings about the FO or playing in Buffalo in general.
3. True, but have you ever heard a player or coach say: “I/He does not want to risk aggravating an injury so he can play in the Pro Bowl”? I guess that means it has never happened then. The point is we don’t know. You want to believe Peters is a team guy, loves Buffalo, and is not playing because he is injured. I would argue you have less facts to proven those statements than I do!
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 26, 2008 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have already said they are speculation, based on nothing more than what I think of Peters from his past actions. I hope that is clear enough for you.
So everything that you claim about Peters is nothing more than your opinions about a guy you have never met or spoken to, based on media clips and internet articles. Good, got it.
1. I could care less if Peters can only afford a 50 ft yacht as opposed to a 75 ft yacht. His financial future is a joke to me!
Peters is making $3.5 million this year. Hardly peanuts I agree and more then you and I combined will make this year I’m sure. But to a franchise LT, (because lets be honest that is what he is) that is a very below average salary. You can argue all you want about whether or not they should make that much, the fact is that a Good LT in the NFL makes much more then what Peters is currently making. You may not care about his financial future but he does, and after seeing how the retired NFL players with injury problems have been treated I don’t blame him one bit.
No, but because Peters clearly feels he is in the right, the way he was treated by the Bills front office didn’t give him any "warm and fuzzy" feelings about the FO or playing in Buffalo in general.
That doesn’t mean he wants out and is creating injuries or is making convoluted scenarios to get himslef out of Buffalo. You don’t see him telling porn mags that the Bills should move to Toronto a la Willis McGahee do you?
True, but have you ever heard a player or coach say: "I/He does not want to risk aggravating an injury so he can play in the Pro Bowl"? I guess that means it has never happened then. The point is we don’t know. You want to believe Peters is a team guy, loves Buffalo, and is not playing because he is injured. I would argue you have less facts to proven those statements than I do!
No what I would say is that I’m not as pessimistic and like the guy more then you. You seem to take everything he does to mean that he isn’t a team player and wants out. I don’t.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Dec 26, 2008 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So everything that you claim about Peters is nothing more than your opinions about a guy you have never met or spoken to, based on media clips and internet articles.
No, based on Peters’ own actions and quoted statements that were not denied.
by thefourwinds on Dec 27, 2008 8:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What are your opinions about Peters based on?
by thefourwinds on Dec 27, 2008 8:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The exact same things, I however don’t make outragous assumptions based on that stuff.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Dec 27, 2008 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hardly outragous
outragous assumptions
You may not agree with it, but my argument has a very logical flow to it. Peters wants more money and holds out…..Bills say no and make him play …… Peters is mad and wants out……Peters decides that being ready for the Pro Bowl is more important to him and his ability to get paid, so he decides not to play vs NE….It is hardly outragous.
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 27, 2008 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Peters is mad and wants out
That seems to be an outrageous assumption to me….
Peters decides that being ready for the Pro Bowl is more important to him and his ability to get paid, so he decides not to play vs NE
Same thing. And you know that Peters plans to be ready for the Pro Bowl because he wants to get paid? Huh?
~K
by Kurupt on Dec 27, 2008 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They are assumption, but not outrageous
Many of you have said you would be mad if your boss did the same thing. It is not outrageous to think that Peters might be ticked off at the FO.
If Peters does want out, why would he not want to get as healthy as he can so he plays well in the Pro Bowl?
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 27, 2008 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like his "me first", money hungry attitude showing through again.
That to me is outragous.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Dec 27, 2008 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So did Peters have the team in mind
when he held out for more money?
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 27, 2008 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The point is that he wants a raise that he deserves, that isn’t being money hungry or showing a me 1st attitude. If he had sat out the whole season until he got his new deal then I would say that you have a point.
I just think that you take it a little too far is all.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Dec 27, 2008 4:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
According to Chris Brown’s blog Lynch is NOT practicing today.
by Teaters33 on Dec 26, 2008 11:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Even I’m sick of Sullivan writing all the anti-Jauron articles. Write about something else Jerrald!
I’d like to keep Greer around, but it’s foolish to spend big money on a guy like that. Spend it on the dang pass rush, please!
I have a feeling if we get waxed by the Pats on Sunday, Jauron will get canned. I think Wilson will actually be embarrassed enough to make the move. If we keep it close or win, he’ll likely stay. Ralph is the kind of owner who will base his decision on this one game….
If we need a one-dimensional pass catching TE, why would we draft Gresham? Couldn’t we just take our one dimensional TE (Nelson, Ingram, Pitta, etc) in the mid rounds?
~K
by Kurupt on Dec 26, 2008 12:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking that OBD will draft a TE no sooner than the 3rd round. If the emphasis is going to be placed on the lines this year, we do not go after a TE until the 4th. We can only hope that they go after a receiving threat first and not another blocker. Our brain trust has not valued the TE since Metzelaars.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
by keuka121 on Dec 26, 2008 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What's the franchise tag for CBs?
Would it be prudent at all to slap that on him, and possibly trade him?
by krytime on Dec 26, 2008 6:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What's the transition tag?
That’s top ten, correct? But that doesn’t give you the ability to trade, or does it?
by krytime on Dec 26, 2008 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
TE
i’ll be clamoring all off-season for it. You can’t beat it. We need it. I want it. Let’s go get it. Give Trent the target he desperately he needs to make this offense go
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Dec 26, 2008 3:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
yes and I agree completely.
But we have 2 areas that NEED to be addressed first. Center and pressure on the QB. I personally think TE is secondary to those needs. But maybe we can still get Gonzalez
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Dec 26, 2008 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Joe P/Sireric
Man – I agree to an extent with both of you guys.
I, like Joe P, (and I assume all here) would like to see or hear of Peters’ being more of a rah-rah, I love Buffalo kind of guy, as well as being a leader, real, or perceived. His actions don’t come across like so, so I think we tend to penalize him for it.
Also – we could never rule one way or the other if the guy wants out. He has a jerk for an agent, but a jerk enough who could possibly “convince” Peters’ that he has been jobbed here by the franchise. He could then follow up with the fact that given the same contract, Peters’ could stand to make more money in a larger market.
Given that, the guy is seriously underpaid. Let me put it to you this way (and even the non hockey fans here will see the point) – Max Afinogenov makes two hundred grand less a year than Jason Peters. Max is a bum. Although he plays professionally for a sport I love, he his still playing in a sport that is becoming inconsequential to the mainstream. It’s on Verus, and maybe ten or so times on NBC. The NFL has everyone fighting for them, revenues through the roof, and they have a Pro Bowl LT making less then Max. Peters is underpaid.
And if you are underpaid, and have talent with a very limited window of time to capatilize on that talent, you want to get paid. I know I would if I were in his spot.
As far as the risk/reward to all of this goes – it’s a no brainer for Peters to sit. From his point of view, I might not play either. Even if it was only a slight injury, that could increase the chance of a career ending injury. I even doubt he plays in the Pro Bowl.
As far as the organization goes, it’s not in their best interests to play him either, and for the same reason above. Why risk the future of your LT on what is for all intents and purposes, a meaningless game?
For the record, I think they’d really like to see what they have in Kirk Chambers.
by krytime on Dec 26, 2008 7:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Love the Afinogenov analogy. It’s right on.
Peters might be a jerk for the way he is going about getting a new deal, but he isn’t pulling a McGahee by trying to get out of town. Willis obviously wanted more money and wanted out. Peters only wants more money, but he isn’t asking to leave town.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Dec 26, 2008 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed....good analogy....Peters will get more money
from Buffalo or another team. I also agree that Peters has not been as big an a$$ as McGahee, but the night is still young :-) We will see very soon where Peter’s wants to play.
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 26, 2008 8:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As far as the organization goes, it’s not in their best interests to play him either, and for the same reason above. Why risk the future of your LT on what is for all intents and purposes, a meaningless game?
Then why does Lynch keep playing through all his injuries?
by thefourwinds on Dec 27, 2008 8:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Because nothing is going to stop BEAST MODE !!!!!
"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter."
by Joe P. on Dec 27, 2008 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What injuries has he had? I can recall back spasms and the shoulder causing him to miss practices. He missed half the game Sunday because of the shoulder and could very well be out this week. I don’t really think there was anything else…
Not sure I’d categorize that as playing “through all his injuries”.
~K
by Kurupt on Dec 28, 2008 1:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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