Inside The Bills

BDC 11/18: OT added to practice squad

DAILY REPORT
– The Buffalo Bills announced that the team has signed T Thomas Welch to the Practice Squad.  Welch joins Buffalo’s practice squad after being released by New England on November 8^th. The 6-7, 310-pound Vanderbilt product entered the NFL as a seventh-round (208^th overall) draft pick of the Patriots in 2010. Welch spent the 2010 season on Minnesota’s practice squad before being signed the Vikings’ 53-man roster on December 14^th.  Buffalo released G Keith Williams from the Practice Squad.

–  The Bills are continuing their December Charge initiative with a push to fill Ralph Wilson Stadium for the team’s three remaining home games.  Bills CEO Russ Brandon appeared on WGR 550, Kiss 98.5, 1280 WHTK (Rochester) and The Score 1260 (Syracuse) to talk about the team’s three-game Home Field Advantage pack, which includes tickets to all three games in December and a 2011 team yearbook for only $189 (a 12.5% discount off the individual game price).  Brandon also hosted his first Twitter chat with fans yesterday.

WHAM13 (Video) – Chuck Wade talks to Russ Brandon about December Charge in a 1-on-1 interview on Wednesday

The Score 1260 (Syracuse) – Russ Brandon goes On the Block with Brent Axe

WGR 550 – Russ Brandon with Howard and Jeremy

TODAY’S PRACTICE
Friday, November 18
Practice: 11:00 AM / Open to Media at Approximately 11:00 – 11:20 PM (Stretch & Individual only)

DAILY LINKS
Buffalo News – Poor drafts send Fish to bottom

Buffalo News – Johnson, Pears limited but Gailey optimistic they will play

Rochester D&C – Buffalo Bills waiting for production from Spiller, Smith

Associated Press – Versatile Levitre provides Bills’ O-Line stability

Associated Press – Bills-Dolphins Preview

Fox Sports Florida – Stopping Jackson will be challenge for Fins

MiamiDolphins.com – NOTEBOOK: Losman Hasn’t Forgotten His Time In Buffalo

Audio/Video/Photo Clips
BuffaloBills.com
Chris Kelsay on his status
Bills Focus: The Marshall Plan

YNN – Bills look to avoid slow start

Additional Clips
Inside the Bills Blog
Bills turn up the heat, Hairston to start at LT, Pears & Kelsay go, Wilson on the side, Stevie limited Thursday, Nelson now sick, Wood calls surgery successful, Other Bills in Pro Bowl hunt, Easley at 1 Bills Dr., TE Fasano has ankle problem, Leodis eager to end slump

AFC East Blog (ESPN.com)
Walker’s AFC East picks
AFC East coaching ratings
Take your pick: Bills at Dolphins

Billboard Blog (Buffalo News) – Easley won’t comment on his health

Bills Beat Blog (WGR) – Bills’ WR Johnson, OT Pears Practice Thursday

Pro Football Talk
PFT Live: Is it time to jump off the Bills’ bandwagon?
DeMarcus Ware fined $15,000

Pro Football Weekly – Bills’ CBs get some blame for struggling ‘D’

QUOTE OF THE DAY
Head Coach Chan Gailey
On the concerns of the lack of depth:
The thing that we have, we think we have some good players. The problem is we don’t have experience depth. They’re all young players and they’re having to learn on the fly. They’re having to experience the speed of the game on the fly and that’s not an easy thing to do. I think we’ve got some good players in the making. They just need to get some reps and get some playing time, especially the rookies that we have.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

LB Andra Davis was selected as the team’s Ed Block Courage Award winner.  The Ed Block Courage Award is presented to the Buffalo Bills player who exemplifies a commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. The recipient symbolizes professionalism, great strength, dedication and serves as a community role model for others.

Jason Taylor pays Fred respect

One of the best pass rushers of this era wasn’t shy about heaping praise on the running back he’ll be facing this weekend in Fred Jackson.

Jason Taylor, who has seen his share of great running backs, called Jackson one of the best in the game right now.

“He’s one of the top running backs in this league right now for sure,” said Taylor. ”He’s got it all. He’s big enough, he’s fast, he’s quick, runs strong. The offensive line is doing a good job of getting him holes. They got a pretty darn good guy calling plays too in Chan (Gailey). He’s making the most of it and that is by far their number one threat. They got a pretty good quarterback too that when you load up on the run he can hurt you throwing the ball and running the ball.”

And Taylor’s head coach wasn’t far behind in his praise for Jackson’s game.

“(Fred) Jackson is tremendous, his vision, power, foot speed,” said Tony Sparano. ”Somebody asked the question yesterday. The guy will block you. He does all the jobs. Everything you want a running back to do, this guy can do. He can finish runs, finish long runs. He runs with power. He can get the ball on the perimeter. He can block you. I think he’s a really good player. I said this a couple times this week. They’ve had a lot of good backs there my couple years here. He’s a guy that you always have to pay great attention too.”

Broncos help Bills

Denver’s 17-13 win over the Jets last night could prove to be a big help for the Bills.

The win lifted Denver to 5-5 and dropped the Jets to 5-5. New York is now a half game back of the Bills.

Should the Jets and Bills be battling each other for a Wild Card spot (perhaps premature with teams ahead of them right now in the AFC for the Wild Cards) the tiebreakers go as follows to break a tie within a division.

Head-to-head
Division record
Record vs. common opponents
Conference record
Strength of victory
Strength of schedule
Etc.

Buffalo’s game next week at New York is going to be huge should there be a need for a tiebreaker between the two clubs because if the Bills can get a split then it would go to division record. Right now the Bills are 1-1 in the division and the Jets are 2-2. We’re dealing with a lot of ‘ifs’ here but if Buffalo wins Sunday in Miami and then gets a win in New York (a big if for some) the Bills would not only put more distance between themselves and the Jets in the playoff race, but in division record as well.

First things first in Miami. At this point if the season ended today both the Jets and Bills would be out of the playoffs. Here’s a look at the current AFC standings.

Bills on the radio

Here’s the rundown of what Bills players you can find on the radio Friday.

Chan Gailey – Armando and the Amigo – WMEN 640 AM – Miami – 7:30 am
Ryan Fitzpatrick – Norton in the Morning; 97 Rock @ 7:45 am  (listen online)
David Nelson – Michael Irvin Show; 560 WQAM Miami @ 12:30 PM

Fasano limited

Miami TE Anthony Fasano was limited in practice for the Dolphins on Thursday.

Fasano, who is the team’s leader in touchdown catches with four, did not practice at all on Wednesday. He’s the only player that has not participated fully for the Dolphins this week.

Bills injury update

Here’s the official Thursday listing of the Bills injury report and practice participation.

Did not practice
K Rian Lindell – shoulder
S George Wilson – neck
DL Spencer Johnson – calf
WR David Nelson – illness

Limited in practice
OT Demetrius Bell – shoulder
LB Chris Kelsay – calf
WR Stevie Johnson – shoulder
OT Erik Pears – groin

Bills turn up the heat

The Bills were not outside in the elements during a week where there was some lake effect snow in the air. Instead they were inside in the Healthy Zone Fieldhouse with the thermostat up to prepare for the sunny 80 degree forecast for Sunday’s game in Miami.

“We’ve got the thermostat up at 75,” said head coach Chan Gailey. “Anything to get ready.”

Most of the players were wearing sweatpants at practice as well.

Hairston to start at LT

Bills rookie Chris Hairston will make his third career start at left tackle Sunday.

Head coach Chan Gailey confirmed that Hairston would start at left tackle. The rookie has not played in each of the last three games after suffering a high ankle sprain against the Giants in Week 6, but he has been practicing the past two weeks.

He’s been getting all the first team reps at left tackle. Demetrius Bell returned to the practice setting, but has been limited this week.

Pears, Kelsay go, Wilson on side

Right tackle Erik Pears and LB Chris Kelsay were listed as limited in practice Thursday, but did most of the work in practice. George Wilson however, remains a big question mark.

“Pears was back and did okay,” said head coach Chan Gailey. ”I hope he’ll keep coming. We have to list him as limited, but he did a lot.”

As for Wilson’s status Gailey says his strong safety’s chances for Sunday are still very much up in the air.

“He’s still questionable for the game,” he said. “I hope he can get out here tomorrow and do some things.”

If Wilson cannot go on Sunday he’ll be replaced by rookie Da’Norris Searcy.

Stevie limited Thursday

Stevie Johnson got on the practice field Thursday, but his work was not extensive.

“Stevie came out and did some things on the field today so that was a positive,” said head coach Chan Gailey. “We got him off the field early to get some more treatment.”

When asked if he’s confident that Johnson will play on Sunday, Gailey reserved judgment.

“I don’t know that yet, but it was good for him to be out here today,” he said. ”It was a real positive, but we’ve got to wait on that.”

Nelson now sick

Bills WR David Nelson sat out Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury, but now he’s come down with an illness.

“David would’ve practiced today,” said head coach Chan Gailey after Thursday’s practice. “But he got sick so he couldn’t practice.”

No word on whether Nelson has come down with the same illness that set Stevie Johnson back for last week’s game.

Wood calls surgery successful

Bills C Eric Wood, who suffered a torn ACL in last Sunday’s game and is now on I-R, had successful surgery today (Thursday).

Wood posted the following message on his twitter account.

Pears, Stevie back

A couple of offensive starters were back on the practice field Thursday.

Stevie Johnson and RT Erik Pears re-joined their teammates on the practice field. However, David Nelson was still absent as well as Spencer Johnson.

Rian Lindell is also not practicing.

Wood having surgery today

Bills C Eric Wood wasn’t sure on Monday as to just when he would have surgery to repair his torn ACL suffered in last Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. Obviously he was informed not long after as he announced he was having surgery today (Thursday).

@EWood70 Surgery is today. Long road to recovery to follow…

Wood said he would be shooting for training camp for a return, which would be about eight months removed from today’s surgery. Typically, most players return to the field 7-9 months after ACL surgery.

Other Bills in Pro Bowl hunt

As we showed Wednesday Fred Jackson is the 8th leading vote getter among NFL players when it comes to fan Pro Bowl voting. He also leads all AFC running backs among fan voting. Here are some other Bills players that are in the hunt in fan Pro Bowl voting to this point, but could use a bit more support.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is 3rd among AFC quarterbacks and needs more votes.

George Wilson is 2nd among AFC strong safeties, but needs more support to catch Troy Polamalu.

Nick Barnett is 3rd among AFC inside linebackers, but needs a lot of help to catch Indy’s Pat Angerer on a Colts defense that has not been good at all.

Corey McIntyre is 5th among AFC special teamers and needs some votes as well.

So do your stuff Bills fans and get voting right here.

Easley at 1 Bills Dr.

Bills WR Marcus Easley is on injured reserve, but much like last year Easley has been hanging around of late and sitting in on meetings and interacting with teammates. Easley’s season came to a premature end when a medical condition forced him to the sidelines at the start of the season. Easley spoke for the first time since going on I-R, but chose to keep most of his current situation to himself.

When asked if his future career was threatened by the medical condition or if he would have a clearer picture about his playing career soon Easley chose not to provide details. 

“I’m going to keep personal things a personal matter,” said Easley. “I’m going to stay positive and optmistic.”

When asked if he might be ready to resume his career come training camp Easley said the following.

“I’m still here, so right now I’m just taking things day by day and I’ll worry about that when the time comes,” said Easley.

When asked if he’s been working out or any kind of football related activities Easley was again vague.

“There were things that were going on I really couldn’t do too much,” Easley said. ”I’m just staying positive and hoping for the best. I’m still on the team so I’m still welcome to attend meetings and work out if I’d like to. I like to stay around keep up with the team camaraderie and take my mind off of things.”

It’s clear that Easley’s medical issue is significant so it’s understandable why he would want to keep it to himself. Unfortunately in doing so there is little more that is known about the nature or severity of what forced him to the sidelines and whether he can continue his football career next season.

TE Fasano has ankle problem

Miami TE Anthony Fasano was not able to practice Wednesday for the Dolphins. His absence would prove costly for Dolphins if he’s unable to play on Sunday.

“Obviously it concerns me when a guy doesn’t practice,” said Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano. ”We’ll see where Anthony is (Thursday). We got plenty of time before the game right now.”

Fasano has been a surprising big play threat for the Dolphins as he leads the team in receiving average with 16.7 yards per reception. Miami split him out wide this past week and he had three catches for 60 yards in their win over Washington. The week prior his only two catches went for touchdowns in a 31-3 rout of the Chiefs.

Leodis eager to end slump

Leodis McKelvin took questions concerning his recent play, which has included some big plays made against despite the fact that he seems to be in proper position most of the time. Here was his assessment.

“I don’t know if I’m just getting bad luck, but as far as my press (coverage) I press my a** off,” said McKelvin. ”I got out there and I don’t  think I get a ball caught on me in practice in the past couple of months. When I get into the game and put myself in position to make a play it doesn’t go my way. I don’t know what it is as to why I can’t stop it, but I have to fight up out of it.

“I’ve never ever been in this position in my life, but I’m a fighter and I’m going to come out swinging. My mom is tough, and I’m tough and that’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to fight up out of it and if anyone doesn’t believe in me then I have to just believe in myself.”

BDC 11/17: Today’s radio interviews

DAILY REPORT
– RADIO INTERVIEWS TODAY:
Fred Jackson – Dan LeBatard; 790 The Ticket Miami @ 3:45 PM
Russ Brandon – On the Block w/ Brent  Axe; The Score 1260 Syracuse @ 2:30 pm
Russ Brandon – John DiTullio Show; 1280 WHTK Rochester @ 3:30 pm

TODAY’S PRACTICE
Thursday, November 17
Practice: 2:00 PM / Open to Media at Approximately 2:00 – 2:25 PM (Stretch & Individual only)

DAILY LINKS
BuffaloBills.com – Offense set to dictate play again

BuffaloBills.com – Dareus making impact on field and with Pepsi

Buffalo News – McKelvin keeps the faith despite struggles

Buffalo News – Levitre covers the line

Buffalo News – Bills’ Johnson, Wilson questionable against Miami

Rochester D&C – Andy Levitre will play center for Buffalo Bills on Sunday

Rochester D&C – Buffalo Bills rolling out discount plan for final home games

Associated Press – Bills WR Johnson nursing left shoulder injury

Associated Press – Banged-up Bills beginning to limp after fast start

South Florida Sun Sentential – Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson goes from unknown to standout

Palm Beach Post – In roundabout way, Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson leads NFL in rushing

Audio/Video/Photo Clips
BuffaloBills.com
Bills Roundup: Players Eager to Right the Wrongs
Stevie Johnson on his status
Ryan Fitzpatrick Wednesday Press Conference
Chan Gailey Wednesday Press Conference

Kiss 98.5 – Ryan Fitzpatrick joins Janet and Nick

WGR
Bills OL Shuffles Even More
Pair of WRs Miss Bills Practice, Kelsay Returns

WGRZ
Bills Offense Slowing Down
Bills Lease Update
Bills Roundtable – Pre Miami

WHAM – Kelsay Excited to Return vs. Dolphins

WROC – Bills look ahead to Sunday at Miami

WKBW – SportsBlast – Bills Shuffle O-Line, Brandon updates Lease

YNN
New campaign to sell out the Ralph
Bills turn up the heat for Dolphins

Additional Clips
Inside the Bills Blog
Smith’s full game still on hold, Losman to be on opposite sideline, Bills injury report, Bills on the radio, Fred tops in Pro Bowl balloting, Day 1 goes well for Bell, Mixed bag on O-line, Pears & Nelson not at practice, A couple of roles for Moore, Nesbitt update

The Sports XChange (CBSsports.com)
Pressure is on to end ugly skid
Strategy And Personnel
Wood ready for another rehab challenge

AFC East Blog (ESPN.com) – Is Fitzpatrick the next Schaub or Kolb?

Billboard Blog (Buffalo News)
Jackson 8th in Pro Bowl voting
Fitz on losing star center
Bills O-line shuffling
Stevie iffy for Miami game

QUOTES FROM MEDIA DAY
Head Coach Chan Gailey
On receivers being pressed more by opposing defenses:
We’ve been getting more bump (coverage) but it’s because that’s what the other teams do. It’s not because that’s what gets us. We’d been bumped before this year. That’s not something that concerns me. At times it does disrupt your time but they take that chance, too, that you get the fade or you get the pass interference down the field. It’s a give and take when you bump and run.

On the status of S George Wilson:
He’s another one that won’t practice today. But there’s a decent chance that he’ll get to play Sunday. We hope to get him back a little bit tomorrow and a little bit Friday and see if he’ll be ready to go on Sunday.

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
On if a lack of depth and experience is causing problems on both sides of the ball:
As a player you don’t worry about that. As a player you worry about being prepared and being ready to step up when your number’s called. You worry about the guy that has to step up. He has to do his job. That’s something that everybody deals with in the NFL. It’s hard to make that excuse because every team has injuries. It’s not just one team or another. Some people might be more affected by it but to us that’s not an excuse. We have to go out there and perform. That’s how a lot of guys that are playing right now or even a lot of guys have done well for us. That’s how they got to where they were. That’s how I got to where I was. You have to take advantage of your opportunities. That’s kind of the theme for this team. We are the no-names and even though some of the guys might be better known now there are now more guys that have to step up and fill in and do what the guy in front of him did. For us we can’t worry about guys not being in the lineup. We’ve got to go out there to play and perform.

WR Stevie Johnson
On defenses taking away the slants:
I don’t know, just play through it.  Teams aren’t stupid. They change their defense. They have guys running out underneath, they have somebody over top and they have somebody playing press. It’s tough but that’s how this league is. I just have to play through it and maybe move around a little bit.  For the most part it’s been like this since the beginning of the season.  Other people just have to step up. I still have to step up myself no matter what coverage they throw at me.

OL Andy Levitre
On going from one position to another on the offensive line:
It just takes a little work.  I feel like I can do it, it’s just getting the repetition to do it. As you get more reps you become more comfortable with it, so just throughout the week getting reps at center I’ll be right back in it.

On doing line calls and other jobs the center has:
The center is a big part of it. They’re usually the guy that starts the calls.  Being next to Eric (Wood) all season I was right there with him even helping him out when he needed it.  I feel like I’ve been in the offense long enough to know what’s going on with the plays and stuff that I can help out and keep everybody on the same page.

LB Chris Kelsay
On getting back to help the defense:
It’s tough. It’s been a frustrating season for me missing four games. That’s twice as many as I’ve missed my entire career up until this season.  To see the team lose the last couple of weeks the way we did actually even made it worse.  I’m looking forward to getting back, contributing and hopefully getting a divisional win.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

S George Wilson visits with former Bills QBs Jim Kelly and Joe Ferguson before last week’s game in Dallas.

Are you better than Stevie?

Think you’ve got Madden skills that are superior to Bills WR Stevie Johnson? Here’s your chance to prove it and challenge him to a Madden NFL 12 showdown at GameStop.

Simply enter to win a chance to take on Stevie by going to the Buffalo Bills Facebook page. The contest ends on Monday, Dec. 5 so enter soon!