Buffalo Bills' Marcus Easley Cleared To Return To Football
by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2011 1:52 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
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The once-uncertain playing future of Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marcus Easley is a bit more certain today. Easley and head coach Chan Gailey both told reporters Wednesday that the second-year receiver has been cleared to resume football activities, and that Easley plans to be on the field for training camp next July.
Easley, a 2010 fourth-round draft pick out of Connecticut, appeared ready to emerge in his second season as the potential No. 2 receiver opposite Stevie Johnson. Alas, just prior to the start of the regular season, Easley was placed on Injured Reserve when it was discovered that he had a heart condition. Despite landing on IR for a second straight year, Easley has been in Buffalo for a number of weeks now attending meetings, and has begun working out again.
Obviously, the best news here is that Easley is healthy enough to play football again; there was some concern that the heart ailment may end his career. Though the condition is something that will likely need to be closely monitored, the team is still very high on Easley, and perhaps the third time will be the charm as Easley continues to seek his NFL regular season debut.
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festivus miracle*
Its fun to think quarterback, but i think the odds of nix taking one in the first are close to 0%.
by boomsauce on Dec 14, 2011 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
haha, a festivus for the rest of us!
Is this your homework, Larry?
by Schooled You on Dec 14, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
and now… the airing of grievances – “I got a lot of problems with you people!”
by JustAskTheAxis on Dec 14, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Great news he is a heathly and can live a normal life. Playing football is a bonus.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Dec 14, 2011 1:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions 3 recs
AGREED
@ matthew62
RED HULK: Pos: OLB, Height: 6'4, Weight: 1,040 .. 0.5 ON THE 40 ... uummm looks like we found our NEW OLB BOYS!
Congrats to good health
Football is a notice
by RiddickBillsFan on Dec 14, 2011 2:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions
best news in the month
the draft begins today, and our first rookie for summer camps is MARCUS EASLEY, we( us and him) deserve to see him catching a bomb to score a 90 yards TD
proud to be a die hard bills fan from france
Prediction for 2011; 5-11is possible, i billive
Draft 2012,1st TRADE DOWN then CB, 2nd OLB, 2nd WR, 3rd S,4rd ILB,4th OL and WR
That is good news!
I hope he turns out to be what we think he can. He should glimpses of #2 capabilty in the pre-season, just needs to have a good offseason and stay healthy.
Come on Buffalo, please?
I believe in this kid...hope he stays healthy.
Buffalo Bills or Die.
I wonder how having a healthy Easley back will affect Front Office’s off-season strategy? From what I’ve heard and read, Easley has a ton of potential but his inability to stay healthy has been disappointing.
Knee & Heart
don’t know how this “injury bug” tag got applied to him. He blew his knee out his rookie year – an injury that could happen to anyone.
Heart condition is a RARE “injury” but he’s back. Let’s give the kid a little time before we say he can’t stay healthy.
by BuffaloFanFromCT on Dec 14, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
Well, he’s missed 2 years to health issues so that’s why I bring up the point. It’s not as if the Bills can keep a guy around forever just based on potential. Yes, a heart injury is a rare condition but still, it forced him to miss an entire season.
by WestCoastBills on Dec 14, 2011 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
....keep a guy around just based on potential.....
Sure they can, just look at Roscoe Parrish!!
Leslie Michael Jasper - 2013 All-Pro NT.
by Home Run Throw-up on Dec 14, 2011 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
Roscoe has actually played. And when he has played (at least with Chan) he’s done well. Easley hasn’t played.
by WestCoastBills on Dec 14, 2011 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
Roscoe's contributions......
Throwing out this season, in which he only appeared in 2 games, here’s the stats:
2005-2010
133 receptions – avg. 22 rec. per season
7 rec. TDs – 1 per season (ouch)
130 punt returns, 1576 yards, 3 TDs (alright, not bad)
zero kick-off returns for TD on 29 attemps, long of 45 yds.
I don’t know about you, but should these stats earn Parrish an eighth season in Buffalo? Not in my book…..
…as you can tell, I’m not the biggest Parrish fan. Wasted roster spot, IMO….not like we don’t have a lot of those on the Bills anyhow…….
Leslie Michael Jasper - 2013 All-Pro NT.
by Home Run Throw-up on Dec 14, 2011 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Why dont we look at his last season before he got hurt. He was producing alot. He was never asked to do much under jauron. Every bills fan knows this and after a fumble he did not even ley him return punts.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Dec 14, 2011 8:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I agree he wasn’t used correctly by Jauron. Still, I guess I just expect more from him. He played well in the first half of 2010….but that’s kind of my point. He’ll NEVER last a full season with consistent playtime. My bet is he gets hurt again in 2012, if he’s even on the team. Too small and fragile to deal with the 260 lb. LB’s that will crush him going over the middle. I know he gets a lot of love here from many Rumblers, I’m just not one of them.
Leslie Michael Jasper - 2013 All-Pro NT.
by Home Run Throw-up on Dec 14, 2011 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, this is the big question
he’s big and fast and has pretty good hands. This past offseason he got big – like Terrell Owens big. Marcus Easley looks the part… except that he’s never been seen!
If the front office passes on a blue-chip WR because Easley is healthy, and then he misses the next season, I will cover myself in sackcloth and ashes.
by lord gloom on Dec 14, 2011 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
haha, but presumably the front office will take a blue-chip something other than a receiver, like a CB or a OLB or a QB. so maybe it will be okay :-)
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Dec 14, 2011 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
I will cover myself in sackcloth and ashes.
Wow….you really are lord gloom…..
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 14, 2011 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
Make the sack cloth out of an old Maybin jersey and
take a pic of yourself…..that would be a great avatar
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
so the heart condition was made public? or is that still just largely speculation? I keep thinking about the defenseman who played for the Sabres a few years ago who for two offseasons in a row had heart surgery (can’t remember his name…), and obviously when you hear “heart condition” you think the worst, but clearly there are different specific conditions it could be. I’m glad the kid is healthy and can go back out and try to play the game. hope he stays that way!
Teppo Numinnen (and I know I massacred his last name)
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 14, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
The Bills and Easley never commented or confirmed the issue.
A few of the well respected beat reporters (Mark Gaughn and…) got the info though.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
Easley confirmed it was a heart issue today, but wouldn’t go into specifics.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
I’m glad he’s OK….let me start with that. Way more important than football.
Now that I established that: I hope the front office doesn’t decide to not address the #2 WR position b/c they assume Easley will be healthy. He might be. These two injuries are unrelated so aren’t a pattern, etc. However, even if he’s healthy, he’s never played an NFL game. I think they need to sign a legit vet #2 for a year or two and hope Easley eventually takes over that role.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 14, 2011 2:52 PM EST reply actions
Agreed
They should learn that nothing is certain, like when they didn’t address the OLB position because they were relying on Merriman. Depth and talent at the WR position will make us much more dangerous on offense. I feel like the offense is close to being legit-good, not fake us all out-good like this year. We’ve got talent but we also need some better schemes. I said on another post that if we can’t get Luck, RG III or Barkley we should take Blackmon in the 1st round (also assuming he’s available) and I really think that’s the right move. If we get one of those guys, then focus on defense the rest of the way.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
See that’s where we disagree (depending on who is available of course.) If there are two comparable talents at pass rusher or WR, I think you absolutely need to go pass rusher (I agree QB first, but I don’t think the Bills have a shot).
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Dec 14, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
I see your point
I actually mentioned that in the same post, that if there is a top notch OLB we need to take him. I know I’ve heard Zach Brown and Courtney Upshaw mentioned as possibilities, but I’m not a great college scout. If they’re worth it, I’m down of course. I just think if Easley is healthy, pairing him with Stevie and Blackmon mixed with our specialist guys like Nelson and Roosevelt would be a sick WR core.
"What it takes to win is simple, it's not easy."
-Marv Levy
If they even sign Stevie. The Bills have a few patterns: one is ignoring a problem and pretending a late draft pick can solve it, and the other is letting proven talent walk away and replacing it with a talented rookie (Marshawn/CJ). Would it surprise anyone if they let Stevie walk and signed Blackmon?
Correct
Doubt he falls to us
Only if the Bills pick in the top 7 , they may have a chance for Blackon. But as Paulie stated above the Bills tend to let a player leave then sign a replacement or vice a versa so they continue to chase their tail on getting talent…
.
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
I was leaning towards a WR in the first three rounds
but with this news I think I would rather sign a FA #2 for a couple of years and give Easley a shot at the #2 if he can earn it.
Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.
might still be needing a #1 WR selection even with Easley
or if we were to give the shot to Aiken. Steve contract not going good. Franchise is possibility… or else, we have to accept that they could go another direction. I sure hope not, but so far, I don’t have cause to be optimistic myself, because if you recall, Whitner situation was not dissimilar from this one… and that could mean he simply hits free agency. Is that a bad move? Yes, I think it is. But it is a reality that could happen, unfortunately.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Dec 15, 2011 1:24 AM EST up reply actions
I believe
By the sound of it, it appears he had an irregular heartbeat which is not uncommon in athletes. This would be the only thing that would clear on it’s own with time.
One of the best bits of news to come out of OBD this season.
Not only for the (hopeful) contribution to the team, but for the man’s health.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 14, 2011 2:59 PM EST reply actions
Bingo, well said.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
welcome back Marcus
Am delighted with this news. Great to hear that a member of the bills family is going to get a second chance for forge a career. Let’s all hope that he makes a success of it.
Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life.
- Brooke Shields
by Let's Go Buffalo (UK) on Dec 14, 2011 3:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Good news
Hopefully he contributes to our anemic WR corps next year.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
practice and workouts
how does him being placed on ir limit him working out with the team or the facility?
I believe he just cannot practice on the field with the team.
Meetings and workouts are OK though.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
Weird quote from Gailey regarding Marcus...
When asked if he’ll be back next year, Gailey answered by saying, “Its up to him.”
I read that from Joe B’s twitter (wgr)
Come on Buffalo, please?
I'm guessing that
“Its up to him” means he will dictate it with his play. Easley may also have pulled himself out of this season until he got more info on the heart condition.
Hopefully, he will be healthy for next season, and WR becomes less of a priority in the off-season. I would still expect them to draft one, but probably not in the first two rounds now. Pass rusher, cornerback, and QB of the future are much higher priorities. We could get by with the Easley, Stevie, and Nelson. We can’t get by with Florence or McKelvin, nor can we get by with Kelsay and Spencer Johnson at OLB. We can get by with Fitzpatrick, but not well and not for many more years.
by SiriusRed on Dec 14, 2011 4:03 PM EST via mobile reply actions
cut off...
But you’re right, I think Easley, Stevie, Nelson doesn’t sound bad as a top 3 WR set… but don’t forget Brad Smith. I think Roosevelt, Jones, and Hagan are good depth, I’m also curious to see if Roscoe comes back. So, it “appears” WR might not be much of a priority… but Easley’s health is a HUGE question mark, and I don’t think those depth guys are starting material… is Brad Smith?
That secret was guarded better than the Pearl Harbor attack!
Glad to hear he is healthy. If he never plays ball again, at least he won’t die a young man in his 20’s.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 14, 2011 4:46 PM EST reply actions
I have been following Easley on twitter and some other media since last summer.
This guy has stayed so positive throughout this entire ordeal. He’s been understandably frustrated at times, but always putting the best spin on things. I really hope he turns it on next year. He really seems to have the drive and attitude to become a great football player (being tall, fast, strong, and able to catch also help!).
Where u guys going to be send. You will not need prayers you do not need your soul. You will be in a place not even the. Undead. Walk.
-abayarde
by APhoenixDestiny on Dec 14, 2011 5:08 PM EST reply actions
Question
Could someone please tell me what Marcus’ contract status is? How long did he initially sign for? How does being placed on IR before the season starts affect his contract, if at all?
by brooklynbuffaloboy on Dec 14, 2011 5:18 PM EST reply actions
4 years, $2.31 million.
He is under contract for 2 more seasons and then will be an unrestricted free agent in March of 2014 unless he signs an extension before then. Going on IR in the NFL does not affect your contract years.
Where u guys going to be send. You will not need prayers you do not need your soul. You will be in a place not even the. Undead. Walk.
-abayarde
by APhoenixDestiny on Dec 14, 2011 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
Easley the best news I’ve heard all day.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Dec 14, 2011 5:51 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
Ha.
Rec’d!
Where u guys going to be send. You will not need prayers you do not need your soul. You will be in a place not even the. Undead. Walk.
-abayarde
by APhoenixDestiny on Dec 14, 2011 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Fixed it for you
Easley the best news I’ve heard all day month.
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
Awesome news!
I can’t wait to see this guy play next year.
Now or Never
Honestly, the Bills mediocre receiving corps needs another body (or two) just being honest…If Easley could translate his highly anticipated raw talent the Bills saw in him into these last few games….we could have a spark of hope in a legit number two wideout. Nelson has proven himself to be a reliable wide receiver, but he is more of a slot guy, as he often translates on first downs rather than long balls (or Fitz hasn’t been gunning it long since week 5). I really hope Easley pans out. If not, invest in a Kendall Wright calliber player in the second round or trade up in the first.
by shlongostillgotfaith on Dec 14, 2011 7:52 PM EST reply actions
Question
Since he’s on IR what kind of contact can he have with the team/facilities?
same here
I don’t consider him “injury prone” per say as of yet… I really really want to see both he and Aiken get a chance during mini camp and next season.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Dec 14, 2011 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
I was so glad to hear this!!
Good luck Marcus I wish you well in your future at Buffalo
Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.
Marcus Easley
If he can make it back and be as good as he appeared in training camp that would be great but it raises one question who is going to throw the ball down the field Fitz? I don’t think so, we need a better QB, which is another reason Gailey and maybe Nix needs to go they all seem to be tied together, for better or worse, well this certainly isn’t better is it? Just because Nix wont say that Gailey has underperformed, and Gailey refuses to admit that Fitz has underperformed, doesn’t mean it’s not so. Show me the baby, thta’s what they said. I really think that Nix and Gailey had a plan that was sound, but this insistance on sticking with Fitzpatrick is just a bad move. So is having Thegpin as our back up.
This is awsome
It would have been a great oppertunity for him this year
Next year looks good.
Stevie, Smith, Nelson, Easley, and Jones
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
Good for Easley...
Now he needs to prove all this anticipation about his skills is worth the wait…
.
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game."
Dick Butkus
Easley
Im surprised this is coming out now, I met Easley at the UConn v. UB Bulls game in september the day before the Bills v. Pats game. He said then that he should be cleared to play in about a month and did confirm the heart condition, which made me question why they put him on IR. Maybe it is just coming out now or it took longer for him to get cleared then expected.
Quick IR
It seemed like the Bills were quick to put players on IR. I think it speaks to our lack of overall depth. They feel like they need to get new bodies in there and they can’t depend on the backups. They are right.
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