On a day where walking boots and biceps became noteworthy topics of conversation, the Bills’ thirteenth day of camp practice continued full-steam ahead. Some clarity came regarding certain injuries, and others that were first thought to be small potatoes might be a bit worse than initially reported. Here are the major talking points:
- New guys checking in: Newcomers Kroy Biermann, Brandon Deaderick, and Alameda Ta’amu all suited up today. Biermann worked in with the third team defense only because he is unfamiliar with it, according to Rex Ryan. Not all of the new practice participants were new to the roster, however, as Manny Lawson made his return after passing his physical this morning. While he did line up some with the first team defense, his day was quite limited, with Lorenzo Alexander continuing to fill in with the ones. Lawson participated in some drills, but skipped some of the more physical ones.
- Walking boot updates: While Cordy Glenn was spotted without his walking boot, Nickell Robey-Coleman was spotted wearing one. No report was given on Glenn, although it is certainly encouraging that his high ankle sprain has healed enough that he no longer requires the boot. Robey-Coleman, on the other hand, reportedly did not leave the practice field yesterday after injuring his ankle. John Wawrow reported that the injury may be significant, while Rex Ryan said that the walking boot was merely “precautionary.”
- Special Teams notes: Colt Anderson was calling signals and setting the alignment during first-team punt drills. He also served as Colton Schmidt’s personal protector. Schmidt’s long on the day was seventy yards in the air. Reggie Bush, who was excused from practice yesterday for personal reasons, did not attend today, either.
- Lineup notes: Duke Williams once again ran with the first team today in place of Aaron Williams, who watched from the sidelines for the first time since entering the concussion protocol. Kevon Seymour lined up as the first-team nickel corner in place of Robey-Coleman, and Rex spoke very positively about him after practice. Manny Lawson would like to participate in preseason games, but Rex didn’t sound as if he were in a hurry to oblige him.
- Notes on performances: Tyrod Taylor was forced to scramble a lot today, but Sal Capaccio was unsure whether it was poor offensive line play or strong defense. With two reserve linemen still starting on the left side, I’m inclined to think it’s more of the former. Rex said that EJ Manuel “looks the best I’ve ever seen him,” and even went so far as to call him “an outstanding backup quarterback.” James Wilder, Jr.’s days appear to be numbered, as he was behind even Boom Herron in team drills. Doug Whaley focused on the second and third teams almost exclusively during practice.
- Rodak takes a beating: While Duke Williams had the quote of the day, Mike Rodak had the question of the day. He wanted to know how Manny Lawson maintained his biceps while recuperating from the pectoral injury. “Curls,” Lawson said. Joe Buscaglia and the rest of the Bills’ beat reporters were all over him for the question, even going so far as to have him run a penalty lap for it. Lawson initially injured himself while attempting to bench 405 lbs.