Four practices and one walk-through session are in the books, and for the first time in what can technically be referred to as the 2008 season, the Buffalo Bills are strapping on the pads and hitting each other in a practice setting. The Bills have one practice today from 11 AM to 1:05 PM; please use this as an open thread for any developments you wish to discuss from today's practice.
Here's what else has been making headlines over a quiet weekend in Pittsford...
Why No Pads?
Bills head coach Dick Jauron has taken a little heat from the fan base in his two-plus seasons on the job for his "easy" training camp regimen. The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle explains why such a tactic is a smart move.
McKelvin Working Hard to Catch Up
He missed the team's first four practices as an unsigned rookie, so CB Leodis McKelvin is working overtime to catch back up to his teammates - and loving every minute of it. You have to love hearing that type of dedication from a rookie.
Edwards' Weight
The Buffalo News takes another look at Trent Edwards' off-season weight gain. The young signal-caller seems very confident that his additional muscle will help keep him healthy for an entire season; let's hope that that confidence manifests itself as clairvoyance.
Royal Not a Lock for Starting TE
Heading back to the Democrat and Chronicle, we hear more about Buffalo's brewing situation at tight end. Veteran Robert Royal, the team's starter for the past two seasons, does not appear to have the inside track at reclaiming that role. That hasn't stopped Royal from attempting to earn the job by working out harder than ever.
Hardy Making Plays Early
None of Buffalo's rookies have more pressure on their shoulders than WR James Hardy does. The Buffalo News has been impressed with Hardy's work early in camp, reporting that he is rarely dropping passes and is making plays in traffic. That's exactly what we need out of Hardy; it'll be interesting to see if Hardy can sustain that production with pads on and in the pre-season.