Two days removed from a 34-21 pre-season victory over Indianapolis, the Buffalo Bills returned to the practice field on Saturday short a whopping 16 players.
The thinnest position by far is tight end, where Shawn Nelson's muscle pull (not to mention his four-game suspension) and Derek Schouman's knee injury (likely to keep him out 3-6 weeks) leave the Bills with just two healthy players. Chan Gailey told reporters Saturday that GM Buddy Nix is already investigating available depth options.
Jack linebacker Reggie Torbor could also miss at least three weeks, according to Gailey, after sustaining an undisclosed injury on Thursday. Curiously, he was replaced not by Aaron Maybin, but by backup Sam linebacker Chris Ellis with the first-team defense this afternoon.
Gailey also confirmed that rookie wide receiver Marcus Easley did have knee surgery, and that he'll be out "a while." Easley becomes the second Bill to undergo a procedure in recent days, joining free safety Jairus Byrd.
Demetrius Bell was given a rest day on Saturday, and Kyle Williams - who is injured, but it's considered minor - joined him as well. Donovan Woods and Cary Harris were new additions to the sidelines, as well. Fred Jackson, Ed Wang, Danny Batten and John Destin have missed extended periods of time, and that continued on Saturday.
Three players, however, are close to returning to the lineup. Marshawn Lynch did some individual work, though he was still cutting gingerly. David Nelson also did some individual running, and he and James Hardy both are close to returning to the lineup.
H/T: Joe Buscaglia, WGR 550