Bills getting closer to fielding their full roster

by Brian Galliford on Aug 14, 2009 8:00 AM EDT in News Comment 53 comments

The Buffalo Bills are getting healthier - and, more importantly, they're getting closer to fielding their full roster for the first time this season. Not only have several players returned to practice - with perhaps a few more to follow shortly - but the Bills are rapidly moving towards signing first-round pick DE Aaron Maybin as well.

Maybin update: signing should happen any time now
We already knew that ESPN's John Clayton on Wednesday night reported his belief that the Bills and Maybin would reach a deal "within 24-48 hours." Last night, Sal Capaccio echoed those sentiments, noting that significant progress had been made in negotiations. Capaccio also reports that when the dust settles, Maybin is expected to sign for a deal that puts him in the ballpark of $26 million with $14-15 million guaranteed over five years.

Meanwhile, ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted last night that, after the Packers signed DT B.J. Raji, he anticipated that Jaguars OT Eugene Monroe would be the next to sign, followed closely by Maybin. That tweet was supplemented by another tweet this morning, where Schefter lets us know that a Monroe signing should take place today (Friday). We're at the point now where a Maybin signing could literally happen any moment. Stay tuned.

Owens to return Monday
WR Terrell Owens, who has missed all of this week's practices as he receives treatment on a sprained toe, will not play in this Saturday's pre-season home contest against the Chicago Bears - thus rendering a boring pre-season game all the less exciting. But there is good news - Owens is expected to return to the practice field on Monday. Concerns that Owens' body was getting frail or that the toe injury could really be a turf toe seem, at least for now, to be premature.

PUP players making progress
To this point, WR James Hardy and rookie FS Jairus Byrd have not participated in a single pre-season practice, as each recovers from off-season surgeries. However, both appear close to ready to return to the practice field.

BuffaloBills.com reports this morning that Hardy has been going full-speed in individual drills. There is still no timetable for his return, but his knee is fully healed and Bills trainers are working on getting him ready for the rigors of a season.

Meanwhile, while I was at camp last Thursday and Friday (August 6-7), I was informed that Byrd, at that point in time, was in great shape working out between practices, but was still around 10 days away from returning to the field. By my count, unless there has been a setback - and given that Byrd continues to work out with Hardy between practices, that seems unlikely - Byrd should be on the field by the middle of next week. If our speculation is correct - and I believe it is - Maybin and Byrd may make their pro debuts in the same pre-season game, likely the August 29 tilt in Pittsburgh.

Players returning to practice
Ashton Youboty missed practices late last week and early this week, but returned to the practice field on Thursday night. He'll re-commence his mission for playing time in a crowded Bills defensive backfield. DE Copeland Bryan, who at this point only has a few practices under his belt, returned from a hamstring injury last night as well and was immediately inserted into the second-team defense at left end (bumping Chris Ellis down the depth chart). Xavier Omon also returned to the field.

LB Pat Thomas and FS Ko Simpson did not practice Thursday, but both players' respective injuries are considered minor. WR Steve Johnson continues to deal with a rib issue, but he, too, is expected to return next week along with another injured WR, Felton Huggins.

As it stands right now, the Bills stand to close camp (which is approaching quickly, by the way) with only one semi-serious injury situation. LB Ashlee Palmer sprained his ankle in the Hall of Fame Game, and though Dick Jauron labeled him "week to week," Palmer might be hunkering down to miss a significant chunk of time. Still, considering the seemingly imminent Maybin signing, the return to health of Owens and the PUP players, and the fact that there is only one truly serious injury right now, things are looking a bit brighter in Buffalo this morning.

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Easy Camp

Look at what Philly’s going through with their “tougher” camp, and all their injuries.
Look at waht we’re going through with a sprained ankle in a pre-season game.

Maybe cagey Dick Jauron knows what he’s doing.

by JoeSelkirk on Aug 14, 2009 8:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've gotta

disagree with you. It didn’t look like he knew what he was doing to me, when I saw the Titans push us around like that. We need to start getting more physical in camp. Thank you Eric Wood.

by Buffalonian on Aug 14, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a fine line,

You want them to be more physical until someone loses an eye.

I think as pre-season developes they will look more and more physical.

"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone"
-Marshawn Lynch-

by billsoferie on Aug 14, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

His record really reflects it too

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Aug 14, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll take Philly’s and Andy Reid’s track record over Jauron’s any day. injuries happen and sometimes there is no rhyme or reason why they happen.

by gatornation on Aug 14, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was going to say “you’ll catch hell for that one,” but I couldn’t even get it out before it started. :)

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Aug 14, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

great to hear on the

Maybin front. If we can get him into camp with 3 pre-season games to go, you can’t beat that. Same with Byrd. As long as they both can come in and work their tails off, with the coaching staff already knowing how they wanna use these guys, you gotta be happy about that.

However, Tom Brady is healthy too!!!!!!! Yikes

MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens

by MARVelous on Aug 14, 2009 8:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking the same thing on Maybin. A lot of ppl are concerned that he’s already missed one game this pre-season, but they forget that we have 5 preseason games this year. In the end he’ll still have 3 pre-season games and should be up to speed by the start of the season. Maybin and Byrnd will both do fine for us.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 14, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the end he’ll still have 3 pre-season games

I doubt that, actually. Even if he signs today, he’s not practicing until Monday. I doubt the Bills would throw him into the game on the 22nd on five days’ practice. Same with Byrd. If he signs today or over the weekend, I’m almost positive that his first pre-season game would be the 29th in Pittsburgh, as I said in the article. So only two pre-season games.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Aug 14, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not put him in to Saturday's game?

Even its just for a few downs. Its simply get to the quarterback…its not like he is learning routes or anything. If hes in camp on Monday, I say he sees the field at least on a couple plays.

by Buffalo Mo on Aug 14, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I obviously wouldn’t mind if you’re right. Just my opinion.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Aug 14, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

why?

I wouldn’t play him a whole lot but I would at least like him to get his feet wet. if he is in good enough shape and looks good enough to go during the week I would get him in on some plays.

by gatornation on Aug 14, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but they both

will still get 4 weeks of practice b4 the monday nighter, so it could be best possible scenario I think in my book at least

MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens

by MARVelous on Aug 14, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your probably right, but i still wouldn’t mind him seeing a couple of snaps on the game of the 22nd. Even if he only gets 10 to 15 snaps, it’s thats much more expirience in our system and that much more prep work.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 14, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybin is expected to sign for a deal that puts him in the ballpark of $26 million with $14-15 million over five years.

I’m guessing you’re missing a ‘guaranteed’ right before the $14-$15 million. It’s no surprise at all to see that the anticipated deal is $26 million, further proof that there was no reason at all for the holdout to drag on so long.

While Hardy may be going full speed I don’t know that he can be called completely healthy. It seems that every year guys come back ‘healthy’ or ‘completely’ from having their knee shredded, only for them to be a shadow of themselves for another full year.

Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner

by Ron From NM on Aug 14, 2009 8:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for catching that. My bad.

It’s no surprise at all to see that the anticipated deal is $26 million, further proof that there was no reason at all for the holdout to drag on so long.

Capaccio covered that. What he says isn’t entirely unsurprising.

I’m told the Bills anticipated on planned on Maybin’s contractual numbers being in this neighborhood early on because they also had the 11th-overall pick last year (CB Leodis McKelvin), and the 12th-overall pick in 2007 (RB Marshawn Lynch), but that Maybin’s side wanted to wait a little while longer to see where the market settled for players selected around him.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Aug 14, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not suprised at all by that. I figured there was pretty much paper work in place and Maybin was ready to sign but just wanted to wait a little longer – I think one of the biggest things was the signing of Raji – since they are both D linemen

by Ghetts on Aug 14, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not appropos af Brian's Post

in the least. BUT—I watched almost the whole Pats/Eagles game last night. The bad news—Brady looked great. The good news (I think). The Pats played out of a 4-3 for the whole game. The local TV guys says this is likely to be how they play the whole year. Far be it from me to even suggest that I know more than Belechik, because I clearly do not, but I think this will be easier for us to deal with than their traditional 3-4. For one thing, the Wilfork/Hang match-up we don’t have to worry about, and Mayo’s stellar rookie campaign at ILB was largely based on Wilfork never letting anybody get a clean shot at him. It also means that Seymour/Ty Warren will be lining up straight up or on the outside shoulder of our tackles. MUCH better than abusing the rookie guards I think. The Eagles ran effectively most of the night.

The night’s highlight for me was watching the distinctly mediocre OLB Tully Banta Cain, lined up at DE on third down, breeze by Jason Peters for an easy sack.

I know it is off-point, but just thought I’d mention it.

By the way—we’re going to be short on receivers tomorrow night. Roscoe’s chance to make some plays from the slot…..I’m tired of hearing about it from him and would like to see it.

Geronimo

by Geronimo on Aug 14, 2009 8:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who was the other DT in their 4-3, G? Was it Mike Wright or Ron Brace? I’d heard that they were looking for ways to get Brace onto the field alongside Wilfork… that’s a lot of beef in the middle of a 4-3…

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Aug 14, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wright

I know they are VERY high on Ron Brace, but I don’t think I saw him on the field with Wilfork at all. He played a lot in the 2nd half. Wright was there, and they also moved Jarvis Green, normally a DE in the 3-4 inside.

Geronimo

by Geronimo on Aug 14, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately Brady is healthy. I’m not sure our O can even come close to keeping up with a healthy Pats’ O….

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Aug 14, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Especially with a weak pass rush.

We have competed with these guys and we have been blown out. This season a pass rush would flip the coin. Pressure Brady routinely and they will have to compete with us. Easier said then done.

by VanScottM on Aug 14, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I too couldn’t help but smile watching Peters struggle. He also got absolutely tossed on another play. TIMBER!!

by thejimbo on Aug 14, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I much prefer our chances against a NE 4-3 then their 3-4, if for no other reason that, while increadibly powerfull, their DE’s are very slow for 4-3 DE’s (maybe even slower then our’s). True their D-Line will be massive, but slow, which makes it a much more favorable matchup for our O-Line, I would think. Although a D-Line featuring Seymore-Brace-Wilfork-Burgess is still a scary proposition.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 14, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn’t see the game. Was it a traditional 40 front or a 40 over front? If it’s a 40 over front (like what Dallas is transitioning to) then there’s no difference as Wilfork remains in a 0 technique over the center.

It makes sense to me if they are playing a 40 over. Seymour and Warren play 5, Wilfork at 0, and Burgess outside of one of the ends. There are still two ILB’s and a true OLB opposite Burgess.

If they are playing a traditional 40 front, that’s SO much better for Walker and Butler. I’d rather see them match up with Seymour and Warren instead of faster OLB’s. And Hangartner gets to help Levitre/Wood with Wilfork instead of having to root him out from the snap.

by Der Jaeger on Aug 14, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw the Peters sack too and had a laugh. The Patriots alot of time have shown certain defenses, but they are capable to switching between defenses very easily which makes them all the more dangerous. One time Buffalo prepared for the 3-4 and they brought the 4-3 and wiped them out.

by pasaluki on Aug 14, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just show that we have to prepare for both. But with our luck if we prep for the the 3-4 and the 4-3 they’ll run a 46 on us.

Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.

by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 14, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As it stands right now, the Bills stand to close camp (which is today, by the way)

Not sure I completely understand that sentence, but the Bills don’t close camp today. Camp runs through next Wednesday, the 19th.

So easy Marshawn Lynch can do it.

by thatguy34 on Aug 14, 2009 9:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That’s what I get for taking Donte Whitner’s tweets literally.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Aug 14, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe the coaching staff told Donte that his camp was ending today. ;-)

So easy Marshawn Lynch can do it.

by thatguy34 on Aug 14, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hahahahaha! That is awesome. Well-played.

"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987

by thefourwinds on Aug 14, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

By the way, there’s one more night practice on Monday, the 17th.

by Macktruck on Aug 14, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Brian

I know it’s only been a couple of days, but any observations on how Brad Butler is doing? Or just any O-Line observations in general? Always a point of interest for me thanks.

by MichiganBillsFan84 on Aug 14, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have not been at camp.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy

by Brian Galliford on Aug 14, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will be there next week.

Brad Butler is back practicing fully, though. No mention of him on Chris Brown’s injury report.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Aug 14, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was at camp last night (Thursday) and can report that Butler and Walker were both struggling. If you read Chris Brown’s write-up of the practice on the Bills’ website he observes that Trent was under pressure all night, with the result that the secondary got to make a number of big plays. That pressure was coming primarily from the outside, with Schobel frequently beating Walker (Schobel looks as quick as ever to my binocular-assisted eye) and Kelsay beating Butler.

In general, the second-string line looked much better than the first-string. On one play, Bell, Chambers and Rodd teamed up to open what Chris Brown called an “alley” for Fred Jackson that would have led to a TD in a regular game. But then again, that was against the second-string defense.

Two other observations for what they are worth. Youboty had a great night, with some exceptional pass break-ups. It is going to be very difficult to cut him. And I came away convinced that Derrick Jones is the real deal. He has amazing speed for 315 lbs, and he clearly plays with an attitude. Didn’t the Bills just convert him from DE to DT when he joined us last week? I could easily be wrong on this, but I believe the Titans had been using him on the outside. If so, that may be making all the difference. Brian said in an earlier post that Jones will have troubling breaking into the four-man rotation at DT this year (barring injury). After seeing him last night I’m not so sure. He did very well last Sunday night. The big question now will be how he performs against Chicago and Green Bay.

by Macktruck on Aug 14, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Thanks for the report...rec'd

I would love the Bills to win games, but I will be happy if they are competitive without snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

by Joe P. on Aug 14, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

From what I saw at the preseason game and what I have heard my respect for Jones is growing every second. I don’t think it would be a bad idea for them to keep him only because of Stroud’s age and the fact that I am not a huge fan of Johnson…
That is good to hear about Youboty – I have always been a fan, but his injuries make me nervous and with how we are stacked at CB it just makes it difficult for him not only to get playing time but to be active on game days…

by Ghetts on Aug 14, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stroud’s age and the fact that I am not a huge fan of Johnson??????? Do you mean Williams?

I would love the Bills to win games, but I will be happy if they are competitive without snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

by Joe P. on Aug 14, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh....yeah....

I forgot about Spencer Johnson.

I would love the Bills to win games, but I will be happy if they are competitive without snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

by Joe P. on Aug 14, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it’s not that I don’t like Spencer Johnson, I just nothing him. And if Derrick Jones blows it out of the park with a sack a game with limited snaps during the preseason then you have to slot him in.

by Ghetts on Aug 14, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And if McCargo's bad back/attitude rears its ugly head, Jones could take his spot.

I would love the Bills to win games, but I will be happy if they are competitive without snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

by Joe P. on Aug 14, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed – the more I think of things the more I start to like having Derrick Jones as the 5th DT. I don’t have him on a roster projection yet though, I want to see the next two preseason games and decide. Though since I am not in Buffalo I won’t actually get to watch them :(

by Ghetts on Aug 14, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Chicago game is on the NFL network if that helps.

And, some people here had links to be able to watch last season’s games on line.

I would love the Bills to win games, but I will be happy if they are competitive without snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

by Joe P. on Aug 14, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can only get the NFL network through Dish – which I don’t have :(

by Ghetts on Aug 14, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

stop by here and look on the open game thread for a link to the game

There is on guarantee, but it is your best bet outside of a sports bar.

I would love the Bills to win games, but I will be happy if they are competitive without snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

by Joe P. on Aug 14, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

by Ghetts on Aug 14, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

raji only got 28.5 mil

does anyone want to rethink their idea on how much maybin will get?……

Bills make me wanna SHOUT!

by silverstreak3k on Aug 14, 2009 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who the hell does Maybin think he is?

This is getting ridiculous. The #11 pick is holding out. I’m getting bored with this kid already. I’m usually pretty even keeled, but I am starting to dislike him. It used to be the first few picks would hold out and be the last to sign. Now #11 picks are among the last? Even if it’s his agent, I don’t care. Call the agent and say get the deal done today. I’m officially questioning his judgment.

by Buffalonian on Aug 14, 2009 11:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

how quickly we forget

I’ve gotta disagree with you. It didn’t look like he knew what he was doing to me, when I saw the Titans push us around like that.

Two Words……… Club Marv

by Scott In Jax on Aug 15, 2009 1:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And that was a veteran team, with a HOF QB, HOF pass rusher and one of the best OL’s in football. They were more than good enough to get by with a lighter camp. The teams we’ve had lately are not.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Aug 15, 2009 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're quoting me

and I have no idea what your point is. The two posts from me aren’t linked in any way.

by Buffalonian on Aug 15, 2009 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Time to Revise Rookie Salaries

As Roger Goodell has stated, he will look at the whole salary structure regarding rookies drafted in the 1st round. These players, of which some will be busts, are signing huge bonues, and making more than their established counterparts who are veterans.
- It is riciculous that teams are held hostage by their greedy agents and players like Maybin, who probably will not even contribute much for a few years, will be making CEO type pay. What a joke!

by BuffaloWhiner on Aug 15, 2009 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs