“It was one of those where they said it was a situation where he’s going to probably need surgery,” said head coach Chan Gailey of the decision to put Hairston on I-R. “They could’ve done something and maybe got him back for the last game, but it probably wouldn’t have happened that way.”

Gailey explained what Hairston needs repaired.

“It was an ankle. It was not ligament involved. It’s all bone,” he said. ”Somehow there’s a loose body in there that they have to take care of.”

Counting Hairston, Buffalo now has nine players on injured reserve, and two of those players were designated for that list at the start of the year before any games were played in Zebrie Sanders and Torell Troup.

The hardest hit position has been offensive line with three tackles (counting Sanders) and a C/G (Colin Brown) all on I-R.

Stevie Johnson
Eric Wood
Chris Hairston
Mark Anderson
Kyle Williams

“Hairston won’t make it this week,” said Gailey. “They’re still doing tests on that foot. To be honest we’re hoping to have him for the last two games.”

That means Sam Young will start at right tackle.

That assessment also would indicate that Hairston’s foot injury could also keep him out for the Seattle game next week.

1 – Hey Chris,

I have three things that I am very curious about and am interested to see what you have to say.

First off I wonder every week why when the defense is struggling so badly why Chan has not approached Dave Wannstedt about being on the sidelines during games. It may seem like a small matter,but when you look around the league the top defenses seem to have their coaches very invested in the games as well. I mean isn’t it beneficial for the players to be able to come off the field, and sit there with Dave and say look this is what they’re doing?

Secondly, I don’t understand why Chan seems to not believe in the idea of putting Hairston on the right side when Cordy comes back. Hairston has done a fine job on the left side, and Pears play has been fairly poor. It just seems like it would really benefit the team to have five young guys in there playing together for the long term.

Thirdly, the offense seems to have trouble on third downs largely in part to the absence of Nelson. His big body was always a safe play for Fitz. So I wonder where is Marcus Easley at? He has the size and hands to be very helpful in the middle of the field. Donald Jones has done a nice job in the slot, but his small stature seems to make it a less viable option, and the team has struggled to convert those 3rd and 7,8 that Nelson would often convert.

Thanks for your time,
Colt in Sacramento

CB: A lot of stuff there. I don’t know that moving Wannstedt’s location is going to make him call a game any differently.

With respect to Hairston he’s at right tackle right now. In Erik Pears’ defense he had been playing at less than 100 percent from the beginning of the season and only got worse physically as the season wore on. I feel it affected the consistency of his play this year. Hairston is a great option at right tackle moving forward.

There’s no question that the offense needed an adjustment period without Nelson. The guy was the second leading receiver on the team last year. Easley got called up to the active roster this week so you’ve got your wish.

2 – Hey Chris,

Have you talked to Chan about more opportunities for Dorin Dickerson & T.J. Graham? Dorin could be utilized in two tight end and would be a match up nightmare for a linebacker or safety. T.J. could be employed on end arounds & quick slants, as well as the deep ball to strech defenses. Even if not completed, at least it could back the safeties up for the run game as well as for Stevie & the boys. What are your thoughts on this. Thanks,

Tommy P. Buffalo Bills fan 4 life

CB: As a matter of fact I have asked Coach Gailey about both players. So here are his answers for you.

First on Dickerson and why he hasn’t been a bigger part of the game plans.

“It’s been a matter of the teams we’ve played and the defenses that we’ve played and what we’re trying to get done offensively,” Gailey said. “He’s not done anything wrong and he’s not done anything bad. It just hasn’t fit to this point. We’re hoping as the season goes on it does fit.”

On Graham
“The one thing you can’t do is force things. I go back to the analogy I used earlier in the season. C.J. was in the same spot, lots of talent, just hadn’t quite learned all the nuances of the game yet,” said Gailey. “You try to put him in there too much then you’re putting him in a bad situation. With the passing game it’s even more so because now not only are you putting him in a bad situation, but if the understanding isn’t there you’re putting Fitz in a bad situation. You’re trying to get the ball here and T.J. doesn’t understand what you’re trying to get done with a route or a concept and it doesn’t come out right. You want to involve him and we want to keep trying to work with him, but we’ve got a ways to go.”

“He’s very talented, he’s going to be a very good player, but he’s not there yet. We’ll continue to work with him.”

3 - Hi Chris,

As a long time Bills fan, I knew (just like most Bills fans) that the Titans were going to score. WHY didn’t Gailey call time out and save 40 seconds of clock?  That would have made a big difference and given Fitz a chance to methodically move down the field.  Has anyone asked him about that decision?  We also need to start blitzing more, and Chan need to say that Wannstedt.

Go Bills,

Kevin

CB: Chan was in a tough spot, calling timeout saves time for the opponent that’s trying to score. As a coach you’re hoping your defense gets a stop, knowing they need a touchdown to win and can’t settle for a field goal. In that spot you’re up six and you’re using the clock almost as an added means of pressure.

4 – Chris,

A lot of Bills fans have been excited about Marcus Easley since he was drafted.  Now that he’s on the 53 man roster will he dress for games, let alone have a role on offense?  If they found a way to get him involved he would be a tough player to defend with his measurables.  We need a player like him that can go up and get it. 

Thank you,
Ryan from Colorado

CB: I think the thing with Marcus Easley was he has build up speed and is very fast and can get behind defenders deep, but with this offense predicated on short timing routes they need receivers to get open and create separation quickly. That’s not the greatest asset in Easley’s skill set. I think that’s ultimately why he didn’t make the 53-man roster at the start of the season.

Obviously he’s improved in that area to the point where the Bills want to give him a shot in games now that he’s on the roster, but I would expect his role to be rather limited down the stretch.

5 – Hey Chris,
Any chance that Matt Flynn will be available this season or next? And if he is would the Bills be interested?

CB: I don’t really see that as a match for the Bills. He certainly could be available with the way Russell Wilson has been playing. There’s a chance they may not want a backup that’s pulling down over $5M in base salary with a cap hit of $7.25M. The problem here is unless someone wants Flynn as a starter, and I’m not sure anyone does in light of how lukewarm the free agent market was when he was a free agent last offseason, moving that contract off their books to another team won’t be easy.

I think Seattle may see if they can renegotiate his deal first. If he won’t take a pay cut they’re probably going to have to release him outright. If he were to become a free agent I still don’t see the Bills being interested. GM Buddy Nix has said the plan is to add a future franchise quarterback in the draft.

“They’re telling us from a few days to a couple of weeks is what we’ll need to figure that out and exactly where he is and what he’ll be able to do for the rest of the year basically,” said head coach Chan Gailey.

Gailey said he doesn’t expect Pears to practice this week, but that a definitive prognosis could be determined by week’s end on Pears. So it’s a virtual lock that Chris Hairston will make his second straight start at right tackle Sunday in New England.

Pears did not travel with the team to Houston due to a hip injury that kept him out of practice all week

Chris Hairston will start at right tackle for tomorrow’s game against the Texans.

“It went very well,” said Gailey following Thursday’s practice. ”He did everything today.”

Glenn was pleased that his ankle responded positively when he woke up Thursday morning after putting it through the paces Wednesday at practice.

“I’m very encouraged by it,” Glenn told Buffalobills.com.

Glenn appears to be returning to the starting lineup just in time knowing Chris Hairston may have to start at right tackle if Erik Pears (hip) is unable to play Sunday.

We’ll have the news from the locker room right off the top at 7pm, including Mario Williams talking about his wrist injury, the Bills talking about mental toughness, and Kyle Williams thoughts on his $15,000 fine.

Former Bills Head Coach Marv Levy joins us live at 7:20pm.  We’ll get Marv’s thoughts on the upcoming induction of Bill Polian to the Bills Wall of Fame, and other NFL issues.

At 8pm, Kimberly Jones of NFL.com and the NFL Network joins us to give us her view of San Francisco’s blowout win over the Jets last Sunday.  Kimberly says Rex Ryan’s Jets are in complete disarray, and we’ll talk to her about that.

And at 820pm, Bills OT Chris Hairston joins us in studio.  He’s got to step into the starting lineup at left tackle for at least the next couple of games, with Cordy Glenn on the sidelines.

As usual, we’re ready for your questions and comments.

The John Murphy Show airs weeknights from 7pm-9pm on the flagship station of the Buffalo Bills, WGR Sports Radio 550.

LT Cordy Glenn and RG Kraig Urbik both left the game with ankle injuries. Head coach Chan Gailey broke the bad news.

“Cordy got an ankle and it’s going to be a while,” said Gailey. ”So is Urbik. Urbik had an ankle too.”

If both are unable to go next week at San Francisco, Chris Hairston would start at left tackle and Chad Rinehart would start at right guard.

“He’s still working back,” said head coach Chan Gailey of Pears. ”We’re still going to probably alternate those guys.”

Terrence McGee is another player that was rotated in with Aaron Williams at left cornerback. Gailey said earlier in the week that McGee’s reps would increase this week after coming out of last week’s game with no problems.

1 - Chris,
I was wondering what kind if influence an improved defense would have on the offensive play calling?  If (IF) this bill’s defense can live up to its billing, will Fitzpatrick need to throw as much?

CB: I asked both Chan Gailey and Ryan Fitzpatrick this very question a while back. Both indicated that when you’re playing with a lead more often there’s less of a need to take risks. Here’s exactly what they had to say about your question.

“You have a football team,” said Gailey. “You don’t have an offense, a defense and special teams. You have a football team and the objective is to win the game. So you’re always adjusting to what the situation in the game is and if we’re in closer ball games and we have leads you do change your thought process and the way you approach the game. And it allows Fitz to alter the way he approaches the game a little bit. We’ve got to continue to work that because we’ve not been in that situation in the last couple of years.”

“I think it allows you to limit the risks you take,” said Fitzpatrick. “I think if you’re in games all the time and not falling behind whether it’s from a poor performance early from the offense or whatever it is, you certainly have to be a smarter and more reserved quarterback. With our offense there are going to be times where we take chances because that’s what makes us good as well. But there’s a balance we have to find there in terms of when we’re taking those chances and when to take the checkdown.”

2 - Hey Chris,

Thanks for your daily articles and updates.  I had a question about offensive tackle based on your latest article.  A lot of scouts seem to believe that both Glenn and Hairston could be great RT’s.  So why is there only competition at LT?  I think Pears played well last year at RT and I’m glad we have him, but I think he still has plenty to prove.  It’s not like he’s an All-Pro, but it seems like he’s just being handed the RT job without having to compete for it.  Why shouldn’t the loser of the LT competition be considered for the starting spot on the right side?  Isn’t it possible that Glenn and Hairston could be the two best OT’s on the team?

 Thanks,
Ed
Denver, CO

CB: It’s my opinion that Erik Pears had a very good season last year from start to finish. He was a much stronger player after spending an offseason in Buffalo’s conditioning program and put on 20 pounds. His play was rewarded with a three-year contract extension.

Right now he’s working back from a groin strain in camp, so Hairston has been forced to line up on the right side. I think part of the reason RT has been Pears job and his job only (before injury) is because he played very consistently last season and is a veteran presence on what is a pretty young line.

I’m not saying at some point the player that finishes second in the LT competition can’t be the team’s starting right tackle, but I think there’s value in continuity as well and keeping Pears at RT knowing he can do the job is viewed as the best idea by the staff moving forward (provided he’s healthy).

3 - Hey Chris,

My question is who are going to be the backups in the secondary? Where do you see Bryan Scott? Do you see much from Searcy? There was a lot of talk about him when the Bills drafted him but hadn’t heard much.

Respectfully,

bigfoot21 here is sunny South Carolina.

CB: Bryan Scott is a linebacker in the nickel packages and that’s really the extent of his role. Da’Norris Searcy as we’ve mentioned several times in our daily Practice Notes reports has been getting time with the starting unit rotating in for both George Wilson and Jairus Byrd. I think the staff wants to try to find a role for him presumably in a subpackage (nickel, dime).

I think sooner rather than later Searcy will be making an impact on Buffalo’s defense. He’s been impressive in the time he’s been with the ones on the practice field. We’ll see what he can do in the preseason.

4 - Hi Chris, thanks for all the information through the years. Living in San Diego, my son and I only see the Bills in enemy territory. I am trying to take him back to Buffalo to show him how a real football crowd is.

My question is does Shawn Powell or John Potter have any realistic chance making this team? Though I like the veterans, these young players look pretty good and it might be time for a change. Again thanks, Art
CB: I think Potter could make the roster as a kickoff specialist and kicker on long field goal attempts 55-yards plus. Chan Gailey has made no secret of his feelings about what kind of a weapon he believes Potter can be if he can prove that he can deliver touchbacks with regularity. He basically told me that if Potter can guarantee the opponent is starting in their own 20-yard line every time then it’s worth using a roster spot.

As for Powell I think he’s got an uphill battle. He has raw talent, but he’s not as consistent or polished as Moorman. In a year where the Bills are gunning for the playoffs you keep the guy you can count on punt in and punt out.

5 - Hi Chris, thank you for taking my question.

Is Vince Young getting the same attention from Coach Lee on his mechanics and decision making as Fitz is? And if so is he seeing any improvement in his game?

I appreciate your insight. Thanks!

- Chris Kenyon (Albany, NY)

CB: Vince Young is being schooled on the same lower body mechanics as Fitz. The same with Thigpen. A quarterbacks coach works with all of his players and David Lee is no different. Young has performed better over the past week of camp with his accuracy. Young’s arm delivery isn’t prototype, but because he’s so tall it’s a throwing motion that can work in the NFL.

Currently on the team’s depth chart, Hairston is listed as the starting left tackle. Naturally a lot of what happens in the preseason games will either change that or keep it the same. Gailey knows with two young players at that position it’d be great if one of them could really set themselves apart to get the spot settled for the games that count come September. If that doesn’t happen then it appears he has a timetable in mind on making a call for that competition.

“Well you would like for it to be settled, but you can’t force it to be settled,” said Gailey. ”I don’t want to force anything. A lot of times injury forces you to do things and I would rather not force it until we feel like we have to. Maybe with two weeks to go before the first game you make that decision and even though they’re close you make a decision and go with it.”

Two weeks before the opener on Sept. 9th would peg a decision to be made on the starting left tackle spot around Aug. 19th, just a couple of days after the second preseason game.

Second-year lineman Chris Hairston is listed as the starter at left tackle with second-round pick Cordy Glenn as the backup. Typically going into the first preseason game the nod is given to the more experienced player. To his credit though Hairston has been a bit more consistent in the practice setting than Glenn.

The coaches started having Hairston work at both left and right tackle in Friday’s practice. Hairston doesn’t seem to care as long as he’s on the field.

“I’ve got to bring something to this team and whatever I can do that’s what I want to do,” Hairston told Buffalobills.com. ”Whatever coach asks of me that’s what I’ve got to get done.”

Hairston made seven starts at left tackle last season and appeared in 13 games.

“I feel like I know the offense pretty well so whoever is over there I can help out with calls and stuff like that,” Levitre told Buffalobills.com. ”Both those guys are pretty smart over there so it makes it a little easier for me. Cordy really hasn’t had, I still help him out, but he hasn’t had many questions. He’s picked up the offense really quick. He’s a smart guy and probably just needs to clean up some technical things and he should be alright.”

Hairston meanwhile started seven games last season at left tackle next to Levitre so there’s a measure of comfort there too.

“They are doing a great job,” he said. ”I will say Chris Hairston has very good feet for a big guy. They are both outstanding guys. Good pass blockers, good run blockers. As long as they are into the scheme, understand the calls and know what to do amongst the system everything will be alright. I think they are looking pretty good.”

Glenn and Hairston continue to rotate in and out with the first team every other practice.

What’s interesting is the starting RDE position is also rotating daily between Chris Kelsay and Mark Anderson.

Through the first four days of practice when Hairston has started at left tackle, Anderson has started at right defensive end.

When Glenn is the starting LT he’s gone against Kelsay.

Knowing Anderson is the more accomplished pass rusher and Kelsay more of an all-around player, one could argue that Hairston has had a bit more of a challenge in the passing game work. However, Glenn has had his hands full with Kelsay.

One would think who candidates for a starting job go against in practice would be taken into account in deciding which player is the man for the job.

Hairston appeared in 13 NFL games as a rookie including seven starts at left tackle and he did it without the benefit of any OTAs or minicamp practices. He just jumped right in at training camp. The second-year Clemson product intends to channel that experience to the practice field at training camp.

“Just being able to play out there against the likes of Osi (Umenyiora), (Jason) Babin, I mean you name it we come against one every week,” Hairston said. ”It was pretty special and I took that experience and tried to really soak it in. This year I want to use it to my best advantage.”

Facing those pass rushing talents along with Mario Williams every day in practice this spring certainly didn’t hurt Hairston’s progress. I’m not saying the Hairston will beat out Glenn or that Glenn will beat out Hairston. What I will say is this could prove to be a competition that’s a lot closer than most believe. The proof will be in the pads.

“It’s definitely the biggest opportunity to date that I’ve had here with this organization,” Hairston told Buffalobills.com. ”I just want to take advantage of it fully and do everything I can to just be the right guy for that position. But all I can do is be the best player I can be and put it all out on the field and let those guys decide. I just work here you know?”

Hairston sounds as if he has the right mindset going into his competition with Glenn. Be focused and determined, but don’t get caught up in who is getting first and second team reps, and save your best for the preseason games.

“It’s a part of the business. It happens every year at every position,” said Hairston of seeing Cordy Glenn and Zebrie Sanders drafted. ”I came in and there was a tackle here before me. Years and years have gone by with tackles being drafted. You just have to come in a work and do what I can do. I can only control what I can and that has nothing to do with upper management. I just play here. I’m ready to do what I can to make myself a player.”