Sean McDermott spoke with the media today, providing some important news regarding the Buffalo Bills’ dress rehearsal preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on 8/26. He discussed the offensive line, updated us on injuries, and settled the rumors on trading LeSean McCoy. Here are the big points.
Dawkins, Ducasse to start against Baltimore
With Cordy Glenn set to miss another preseason game, the Bills turned to Dion Dawkins during the practice week at left tackle. The rookie will start on Saturday at his college position, not the right tackle job for which he was competing earlier in camp. Also worth noting is that veteran Vlad Ducasse will start at right guard in place of third-year man John Miller. McDermott characterized the right guard spot as an “open competition” at this point. While Miller has been inconsistent throughout his professional career, Ducasse hasn’t impressed during his preseason run with the Bills, making this a bit of a surprise. Stay tuned.
Kevon Seymour in the mix
Kevon Seymour is competing for two jobs at this point, both as an inside and an outside cornerback. McDermott lauded the second-year player’s versatility, saying that he is capable of playing both spots, so it will be interesting to see which of the two he ends up winning. If Seymour were to win the job outside, veteran Leonard Johnson would be the most likely candidate to be the team’s nickle corner, although Shareece Wright and E.J. Gaines, who are also battling with Seymour for the right corner job, could be in the mix, as well.
How long will the starters play on Saturday?
Glad you asked! They’ll play into the third quarter, according to McDermott. No word as to how snaps will be divvied between players who are competing for starting gigs was provided, however.
Injury Updates
Jordan Matthews is making good progress. He and Cordy Glenn will travel with the team, but probably will not play... Kevon Seymour has a shoulder injury; Marcell Dareus has a hip injury. Both are day-to-day... Colt Anderson (foot), Jeremy Butler (concussion), Rod Streater (toe), and Tanner Vallejo (knee) are all out from Saturday’s game... Jordan Mills has a stomach bug, and he won’t practice today. It’s a good possibility he won’t play Saturday, either.
Will the Bills trade LeSean McCoy?
Peep #Bills HC Sean McDermott's immediate grin and shaking of the head when the topic of trading LeSean McCoy was brought up. Pretty telling pic.twitter.com/6rQMriwwFk
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) August 24, 2017
Rumor terminated. Mic. Drop.