The Buffalo Bills’ Week 2 preseason game against the Carolina Panthers is under way, but a few key players won’t take the field for tonight’s match-up.
Wide receiver John Brown is in street clothes (undisclosed) in what is essentially a meaningless game for his roster status. Andre Roberts was the beneficiary, receiving first-team reps ahead of Robert Foster.
Linebacker Corey Thompson remains sidelined with a groin injury.
In what continues to be a theme, the offensive line and tight end group both list heavy on the injury front. Centers Mitch Morse (concussion) and Russell Bodine (oblique) remain sidelined, as do offensive tackles Conor McDermott (concussion) and Ty Nsekhe (tweaked knee). Cody Ford started at right tackle and Jon Feliciano started at center. Newly-acquired offensive lineman Ryan Bates took time as the second-team center, though he’s viewed more as a tackle. That versatility could help the UDFA make the back end of the roster.
Tight ends Jason Croom and Dawson Knox both continue to rehab hamstring injuries. Tommy Sweeney got the start.
It was also known ahead of time that Frank Gore wouldn’t play. LeSean McCoy was the first RB through the rotation.