Apologies for the late posting today, Bills fans - the rigors of a college workload finally caught up with me. My rule is to give you daily updates, and I'm abiding by that rule today - just a bit later than usual. I'll be back with the usual full-fledged coverage tomorrow morning!
Here's what's been going on with the Bills and the Buffalo media today:
Two key Bills starters, CB Terrence McGee and OG Brad Butler, missed practice today after sustaining injuries this past Sunday. Butler's shoulder is injured, while McGee has a set of sore ribs. According to the article, both players have a good chance to play against the Patriots, and Dick Jauron was "cautiously optimistic" that they would. It is also being reported that Jabari Greer, not Kiwaukee Thomas, would get the start at corner in the event that McGee can't take part in Sunday's game. Yikes.
Meanwhile, CB Ashton Youboty (hip) practiced on a limited basis and should be fine for Sunday; WR Josh Reed, who missed the Steelers game last week, practiced fully and will be back for the Patriots game. That could be one key to getting this team's passing attack back on track; more on that in a moment.
With two of the Bills' four healthy corners (McGee, Youboty) ailing, some insurance was added in the form of young CB Dustin Fox. A former teammate of Donte Whitner, Ashton Youboty and Tim Anderson at Ohio State, Fox provides a smart, flexible insurance policy for the team as a member of the practice squad. To make room for Fox, the Bills released Orchard Park native S Jon Corto; his release brings to an end a fantastic story about a young man growing up idolizing a team, then playing for them as a rookie. Good luck wherever you go, Jon.
Here's an article that is sure to make Kurupt happy: apparently, Connor Byrne thinks that Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay stink. From the article:
Byrne is right, but not 100% right - much of Buffalo's problem defending the edge rush has been the fault of the corners and their inability to turn runs back inside. Travis Henry and Willie Parker had their longest runs right up along the sidelines. That said, it's plainly obvious that the Bills' starting defensive ends are overly compensated - and, in general, Byrne is spot on with his analysis. Enjoy, K.
Another update to the status of Kevin Everett was made today, though this one remains rumor at the moment: Kevin may be transferred to Houston (much closer to home for Kevin) to continue his rehabilitation. That's the news news; here's the good news:
"He's sitting up and eating and doing rehab," Green said. "Everything's exactly how we expected. It's very positive."
If you recall, it was a week ago yesterday (Tuesday) that we were excited about Everett voluntarily moving his arms and legs. From the sounds of it, the strides that Kevin are taking are more amazing by the day. Keep up the good work - we're still thinking of you, Kevin!
I've ordered mine, and you should order yours too - the Kevin Everett t-shirt that the Bills wore to support their fallen teammate this past Sunday. 20 bucks to kill three birds with one (well, twenty) stone(s) - support the Bills, support Kevin and support spinal cord research. It's win-win-win, so order yours today!