Inside The Bills

Easley to be cleared to play again

WR Marcus Easley had a medical condition at the start of the season that forced him to injured reserve ending his 2011 season. The receiver has chosen not to speak about his condition publicly, but  head coach Chan Gailey provided some indication Wednesday that he’d be able to play football again come 2012.

When asked if Easley, health-wise, would be cleared to play again Gailey answered in the affirmative.

“Oh yeah,” said Gailey. “Oh yeah, no question.”

While that’s certainly good news, Gailey was a bit vague in assessing Easley’s ability to play and be a member of this roster. For more on this story including comment from Easley on his outlook go to the home page of Buffalobills.com.

“That’s up to him,” said Gailey. “We’re going to give him every opportunity, but that’s up to him. Every player gets an opportunity, but what they do with that opportunity… that’s up to him.”

Fan Friday 11-18

Couple of big division games here these next two Sundays. Time to fire up another edition of Fan Friday, with your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. And since I won’t be back with you until next Friday have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

1 - Chris,

Given the recent shortage of WR’s on the team, I can’t help but think about Marcus Easley, wishing he was playing.  Can you give us an update on Marcus?  How is he doing and have they found anything out as of yet?  I know that it may simply be a personal issue that he and/or the team doesn’t want to put out there, but there are plenty of fans thinking of him. 

Thanks,
Dave
CB: Unfortunately I can’t. I just spoke to Easley on Thursday and he is choosing to keep his medical condition private. He would not say whether the condition is career threatening or if he’ll know at some point in the future whether he will be fit to play football. Obviously the hope is that he’ll be able to play again. I think his size and speed could be put to good use on the outside. It’s just unfortunate because by this point in the season it wouldn’t have shocked me if he had earned a starting job.

2 - Chris,

During our great start to the season everyone thought the Bills would eventually fade and return to their rightful spot as a mediocre team.
I’ve seen it said on TV and posted online that the Bills are due for “market correction”. What can this team do to prove everyone wrong and
show that they really are an elite team?

Rob
Salt Lake City

CB: I don’t think it’s going to be easy. Unfortunately the depth of the team has been challenged by injuries, and if you remember Bills GM Buddy Nix was trying to calm everyone down after the fast start saying staying healthy was the key to keep things going. As the rigors of football have claimed two of the team’s best linemen for the season in Kyle Williams and Eric Wood along with some other key players (Roscoe Parrish, Shawne Merriman) with still others in and out of the lineup it’s going to prove difficult to sustain or re-gain the level of success they had earlier this season. I think they’ll still win games, but winning three in a row or four out of five is going to be much more difficult.

3 - Chris,
I suppose there are bigger concerns for the Bills and Bills fans right now, but an article about Josh Nesbitt that was linked to on buffalobills.com got me to wondering again about something I wanted to ask you back when the season began.  I was intrigued that the Bills decided to keep Nesbitt on their practice squad, but to switch him from quarterback to safety.  I guess they didn’t think he had enough quarterback skills to make it at this level, but saw enough general football skills to keep him around?  And who’s idea was it to try the safety position?  Even with all the guys coming and going on the PS as the season progresses, he keeps hanging around.  Do you think he has a legitimate shot at being an NFL safety some day?

Bob in Orlando, FL

CB: Right now I think it’s too early to tell whether Nesbitt can be an NFL safety. I do know that the guy is an athlete. If George Wilson cannot go on Sunday, Nesbitt is likely to be active and see some time on special teams. He was an option QB at Georgia Tech, but has some experience as a defensive back so I believe that’s where the idea started.

4 - Chris,

The Bills “lost” Donte Whitner and POZ through free agency to other teams.  Compensatory picks are sometimes awarded to teams that have a net negative loss of free agents.  I know the formula to calculate compensatory picks is a bit esoteric, but do you think the Bills might have a shot at a compensatory pick higher than a 7th rounder?

I understand you start with the players and the round they were drafted. Lost [Donte (1st rounder) + POZ (2nd rounder)] – Gained [Brad Smith(4th rounder)] = Comp. pick

Then the NFL committee factors in things like playing time, production, etc. Love to see the NFL award the Bills a 5th…….we need all the picks we can get!
 
Tim Neville

P.S.  Correct me if I am wrong, but I left Nick Barrett out because he was waived before the Bills signed him.

CB: You’re right that the Nick Barnett signing would not count in calculating whether the Bills had a net loss of free agents. However, I believe Tyler Thigpen would count toward that total. If so it might be an even two-for-two. That being said the two contracts signed by both Thigpen and Smith don’t add up to what Poz got from Jacksonville (6-$45M). Whitner’s deal was comparable to Thigpen’s.

So while the Bills may not have sustained a net loss of free agents, Poz’s contract size present a good argument that the Bills lost better free agents than it acquired, which would also qualify them for a compensatory pick.

Last year three clubs (Oakland, Seattle and New Orleans) each received a compensatory pick even though they did not suffer a net loss of compensatory free agents last year. Under the league’s formula, the compensatory free agents lost by these clubs were ranked higher than the ones they signed (by a specified point differential based upon salary and performance).

I think that could happen for the Bills next spring based on Poz’s salary and performance. Of course Oakland, Seattle and New Orleans were the last three compensatory picks awarded at the bottom of the seventh round, so that’s where I’d expect the Bills to be given one as well in 2012.

Also remember, last year the league also handed out 11 additional compensatory choices to the teams with the worst records in 2010. The rules state that the number of compensatory picks must equal the number of teams in the league (32). So if the regular compensatory picks distributed falls short of that number the figure is reached by giving compensatories to the teams with the poorest won-loss records. Buffalo got one of those last spring, which they used on Mike Jasper. Hopefully the Bills don’t qualify for that again this offseason, if you know what I mean.

5 – Chris,

I have three other I/R related questions: Earlier this season I read that one of the many reasons that the Colts have kept Peyton on the roster rather than put him on I/R is so Peyton would get paid his full contracted salary for the 2011 season.

1) I thought players got their full salary if they went on I/R since the players are under contract, isn’t that true? (unless they work a deal with the team to separate from the team and get released from the I/R list )

2) If players on I/R don’t get their full salary, while they stay with the Bills to play for them again next season, what type of % of their salary do they get while on I/R.

3) Do salaries being paid to players on I/R remain part of the salary cap or do they come off the cap and fall under another type of classification?
CB: First, players do not get their full salary when they go on injured reserve. The percentage to which their pay is reduced is dependent upon the player’s contract. Typically, younger players see a larger reduction in pay than veteran players and higher draft choices see a smaller reduction in pay, but it’s on a case by case basis.

The players that go on injured reserve still count towards the cap. Obviously with the salary number reduced there’s some relief provided, but NFL clubs must give themselves wiggle room so they can absorb the contract of the new player to replace them on the active roster.

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.

Fan Friday 10-7

Big one at the Ralph on Sunday with the Eagles flying in. The only certainty is it’s going to be a very entertaining game. Now to your questions, which can always be submitted to AskChris@bills.nfl.net.

1 – Chris,

First of all, I think I speak for the entire Bills fan base when I say thanks for all you do with the website, continuously updating the fans with excellent Bills coverage throughout the week… 

My question is: Why isn’t David Nelson ever mentioned as a potential perimeter x or z receiver in the Bills’ system? With his 6’5″ 215 lb frame, I was surprised he was not more of a consideration after Marcus Easley went down, especially after the past few weeks’ performances and perhaps even prior to that. He is a big target with soft hands and good route running ability. Does he lack the speed necessary to get down the field? I believe he ran a high 4.4 to mid 4.5 40 time at the combine, isnt that considered somewhat average? On a side note, I think Kamar Aiken has a bright future ahead of him given the opportunity. I was worried he wouldn’t be signed to the practice squad, great signing. 

Best Regards,
Go Bills!

Ryan
Rochester, NY
CB: Nelson’s best spot is in the slot. He’s a great mismatch inside because of his size. Outside you need a receiver that is faster and more physical, and Donald Jones has a skill set better suited for that. Nelson is a smooth route runner and knows how to find the holes underneath. He seems to benefit from having ‘two-way go’s’ as a slot receiver, which means he can break his route off inside or outside on the defender. Outside receivers don’t have that option lined up close to the sideline.

I do agree with your thoughts about Aiken. I think there is certainly potential there and he would be an outside receiver option down the line.

2 - Chris,

I was wondering about Troup and his timetable.  I know he has been limited in practice and that is good progress, but I wondering if there was an update.

Thanks again for all you do and has anyone ever told you that you ask really long questions?  Just an observation not a critique.

Sincerely,

Andrew F. Browne
CB: Troup’s lower back situation is something he’s dealt with in the past unfortunately. He worked on his core strength relentlessly all offseason in an effort to lessen any strain on his back, but the stiffness resurfaced at the beginning of the year and is now back again.

I don’t know if there’s a solution to eradicating it, but Troup is doing everything he can to make it a non-issue as far as playing on Sundays. I don’t know if it’s going to be a chronic condition that plagues him the rest of his career, but it is concerning.

And yes, I am long winded. I try to cut questions shorter, but it never seems to happen. Not sure why I choose to give a preamble.

3 - Hi Chris,
 
I was just wondering if you can explain the captains’ C and the significance of the stars underneath – some are solid, some are not. 
Also, where has the pass rush been?  It doesn’t seem like they are getting much pressure on the QBs they faced so far this year. Can Dareus and Williams be that Suh-type player for us up the middle?  Can we get there with the blitz; we haven’t been doing it much this far?
 
Thanks,
Pat (Oakville, ON)

CB: The stars under the captain’s C represent how many years a player has been a team captain. Each year they are a captain is represented by the number of stars that are gold underneath the ‘C’. There are only four stars under the ‘C’ so if a player has been a captain for more than four years, like Brian Moorman, the ‘C’ is turned gold as well.

As for the pass rush, the Bills had a bit more success against the Bengals, but getting home with four hasn’t proven very fruitful. Part of the reason was the first two weeks against last year’s top two rushing offenses, the focus was the run game. Against Brady and the Patriots they chose to drop 7 into coverage and get hands in the passing lanes knowing getting to Brady rarely happens. But you’re right it has to be more productive moving forward.

4 - Hey Chris,    

Could you tell me what’s wrong with Easley? I was really hoping to see him play this year.     Also how is Merriman’s shoulder? 

Thanks ,   Dale  

CB: I actually saw Easley in the locker room on Thursday this week as he was in to pick up a few things. He spoke at length with Bryan Scott, and afterwards I asked him if he would mind talking about his condition, which forced him to go on injured reserve.

He said he’d prefer to keep his situation private, so I chose to respect that because it’s certainly his right. Whether he changes his mind down the road remains to be seen, but we’ll try to revisit it if Easley’s view on his situation changes.

5 - Hi Chris.

What happened to Bruce Hall, Jon Corto, Felton Huggins, and Ed Wang? The last time we saw Bruce Hall, he was carrying the ball over the goal line. Then he was placed on IR. Were these really season-ending injuries, and if not, why not just release them? Does anyone know what happened to these guys? What also happened to Robert Eddins, for example? Was it really a season ending injury or something that would likely nag him for a few weeks? 

CB: Corto, Hall, Huggins and Wang were all waived-injured when the final 53-man roster was assembled. They had injuries, but were not going to be on the 53-man roster so they were waived. Once they cleared waivers the reverted to Buffalo’s injured reserve list where they currently reside now.

Robert Eddins was in a similar situation, but if memory serves asked for a release from injured reserve, which was granted thereby making him a free agent.

Players with injuries that won’t last the season often do this to have an opportunity to latch on with another NFL club once healthy.

Easley taking 2nd yr of I-R hard

After missing his entire rookie season in 2010 with a knee injury suffered in training camp, to be dealt another blow and wind up on I-R again having yet to play an NFL regular season game has really taken a toll on Marcus Easley.

Easley was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with an undisclosed illness. Head coach Chan Gailey would not describe the nature of the illness, nor address whether it is career threatening. But he did reveal that he had a conversation with Easley Tuesday and that the young wideout is having a difficult time with the latest setback to his career.

“It’s hard,” said Gailey. ”It’s hard for our football team, but it’s hard for him. After what he went through last year and then to get right on the cusp of being there this year, not being able to do it. We sat and talked yesterday about it and it hurts him. And I hurt for him.”

Easley showed promise in the preseason and Ryan Fitzpatrick, who worked with him extensively in the offseason felt he had his confidence back. But his illness compromised all of it.

“It’s tough,” said Fitzpatrick. “I feel really bad for him and all the work he put in to get back. He really showed some good improvement throughout the offseason when we worked out. Once he was healthy in training camp he really showed some improvement. It’s just unfortunate and I feel really bad for him. I know he’s real disappointed that he can’t be out there with us.”

Easley out for Sunday

Bills head coach Chan Gailey said that WR Marcus Easley won’t be ready for this week’s game.

“It’s gotten a little more prolonged than we thought,” said Gailey. “We’re going to have to get more evaluation on him and see exactly where that’s going to go. He won’t be ready this week for sure.”

Easley missed last week’s game due to an illness and didn’t make the trip. Gailey said he knows what the illness is, but did not want to disclose it out of respect for Easley, leaving it up to the young receiver to disclose it if he so chooses.

Easley shortens WR list

With Marcus Easley (illness) not making the trip to Kansas City for the opener, Buffalo enters Sunday’s game with just four wide receivers.

Fortunately they have Brad Smith in reserve, who in the event of injury to one of the top four receivers, would have a bigger role as a wideout than perhaps initially anticipated.

Easley expecting to play a lot

Knowing the starters are going to be playing very little, WR Marcus Easley is expecting to play a whole lot. What’s ironic is that Easley might be lining up with the starters again tonight with Donald Jones not expected to play.

“I’m pretty sure the starters are not going to play too long,” he said. ”I’ll probably get extensive amount of time from missing so much time last year and not having OTA’s, so I’m sure I’m going to play a lot. I kind of want to keep the ball rolling and build upon everything that happened last week.”

Easley is coming off a five-catch 51-yard performance that included his first NFL touchdown in last Saturday’s overtime win over Jacksonville. While he was pleased with the plays that he was able to make, Easley is hoping he can do even more in tonight’s game against the Lions.

It was definitely a confidence booster, but at the same I didn’t play a perfect game ”left a few balls out there and a few plays that I could have made.  Like I said before, I want to learn from the mistakes and correct the assignments that I did miss.  Hopefully repeat the performance and play even better.”

If he does turn in another big performance he will put himself squarely in the mix for the number two receiver job opposite Stevie Johnson on the outside with Donald Jones and others. Head coach Chan Gailey said a decision on that role will be made by the coaching staff after tonight’s game.

Fan Friday 8-26

First cuts are due on Tues. Aug. 30^th, but less than 10 players need to be trimmed from the roster to get down to the required 80. Final cuts are Sept. 3^rd when the roster has to get down to the customary 53. Remember send your questions to AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Let’s get going.

1 - Chris,

Could you tell Bill’s fans who the leading undrafted players that might make the roster? It would seem that the TE Pianalto and one of the inside lb’s would have a decent chance above some of the other positions. Is there a dark horse guy that might break out even if there aren’t getting reps that would have a chance to make the roster/impress the coaches?

Thanks for the daily updates. Great work.
Sean

CB: You’re not wrong to think Pianalto would have a chance to make the roster just because the other candidates at that position for the third tight end job are largely unproven as well. That being said I think Mike Caussin has done more this summer than Pianalto and in my estimation would land the third tight end job. I don’t know how realistic it is for any undrafted rookies to make the final roster. They’ve really been put behind the eight ball with no spring camps or a real chance to make an impression.

That being said the two undrafted rookies that I feel have done the most on the practice field are OLB Robert Eddins and WR Kamar Aiken. Does that mean they’ll make the roster? Probably not, but practice squad spots are a strong likelihood for them as I see it. Then again I don’t make those decisions.

2 – Hi Chris,

I was wondering since it seems to be more injuries this year, mostly pulled muscles or tweaked older injuries.  Is that a byproduct of the lockout?  Do other teams seem to have more injuries as well or am I just over analyzing what we’ve seen at the beginning here.  Also looking for an update on the current injuries. Thanks a lot for all your coverage it keeps us all up to date what’s happening especially now with everything moving so fast with the lockout ended.

Thanks,
Rich in Rochy

CB: I know coaches have been very concerned about there being a greater risk for injuries due to the long layoff from real football. We’ve seen some of that in the practices and preseason games already. Unfortunately I think it’s only going to increase in the regular season when guys are really going all out for 60 minutes, though I hope I’m wrong. As for the injuries just stay close to the Inside the Bills blog and the home page at Buffalobills.com for injury updates.

3 – Chris,

I am a Rochester native and now live in State College and have been a huge fan of what you’ve done in covering the Bills. Thank you so much. My question is:

The Bills have Brad Smith listed as a quarterback on the depth chart and I understand that he will be used in Wildcat formation. However, will we see him lining up more as a receiver? He seemed like more of that type of player with the Jets, and he was effective that way. 

Thanks.
Greg 
State College, Pa.
CB: He’ll be used at receiver from time to time yes, but it won’t be for the majority of the time. I’d expect to see Smith on the field anywhere from 8-15 plays a game on offense. What the split is between QB and WR I think will vary week to week depending on the opponent.

4 – Hi Chris, 

First off thanks for all your training camp news updates. My question is about roster cuts and if they will be moved back time-wise since the holdout delayed training camp and everything else? And in your opinion is Marcus Easley on the outside looking in to make the cut because of last years injury and now his knee again this year?  

Thanks,
John
CB: They have not moved the date of the first roster cut which is Aug. 30^th, but they did change how many cuts need to be made. A lot of clubs didn’t want their roster reduced to 75 that quickly because of the time crunch as you mentioned. They only have to get down to 80 players by next Tuesday.

With respect to Marcus Easley he’s making steady progress and with a good showing on Saturday I think he’ll lock down a roster spot. I believe the Bills will keep six receivers and I believe he’ll be one of them.

5 – Hi chris,

It sure looks like the bills defense is going to be a lot better.

With Spiller and Jackson in the backfield how do you think they will split carries? Will it be like KC with Charles and Jones or will Jackson be the feature back with Spiller as a chance of pace back?

Michael

CB: The coaching staff has tried to give Spiller more opportunities to get him up to speed, but Jackson at this point is still the better all around back. That being said I would anticipate that Jackson still gets the majority of the work with Spiller more of a change of pace and split wide more often.

WR groupings post Evans

For those that missed it in Saturday’s preseason opener. Here were some of the more common receiver groupings with Lee Evans no longer a part of the equation.

In a regular pro set it was Donald Jones and Stevie Johnson.

In three wide it was Jones and Johnson with David Nelson in the slot. When Roscoe is healthy he’ll be the slot guy.

In four wide it was Jones, Johnson, Nelson and Roosevelt. When Roscoe is healthy he’ll be the third WR, with Nelson the fourth.

With the second unit it was mostly Marcus Easley and Craig Davis with Naaman Roosevelt in the slot.

When that group went four wide Felton Huggins was the fourth receiver. Paul Hubbard was rotated in with that group at times as well.

Easley excited to go Saturday

Marcus Easley returned to practice from his hyperextended knee on Wednesday night. Now that he’ll get two practices in head coach Chan Gailey plans to have him play in the preseason opener Saturday night at Chicago. For Easley it will be his first ever preseason game after missing last year’s preseason due to his season-ending knee injury the first week in camp.

“I can’t really put it into words,” he said. ”It’s been long overdue. It’s been over a year now and it’s my first time ever playing in a professional football game so I’m really excited and looking forward to it.”

Easley admitted there will be a lot of emotions running through him when he comes out of the tunnel Saturday night, but he’s going to do his best to just concern himself with his assignments.

“I’m going to try to stay as focused as I can,” he said. ”A little nervous, but excited at the same time. Like I said before it’s been a long time coming. I’m just going to try to keep the emotions (in check) and stay level-headed and stay in the playbook and just hope for the best while I’m out there.”

Gailey said Easley will play his normal allotment of time with the second unit since he knows the system so well from all his meeting room time last year.

Easley back

The good news on the injury front continued Wednesday night with the return of Marcus Easley.

Easley has missed more than a week with a hyperextended knee.

Demetrius Bell also returned to practice.

How many WRs do Bills keep?

It’s a little early to be speculating how the roster will fall in terms of position numbers, but regardless of what the final outcome might be there’s no debating that wide receiver will be one of the most difficult positions to whittle down for the 53-man roster.

Buffalo kept five receivers on the opening day roster last season. By year’s end Naaman Roosevelt and Paul Hubbard had been called up to the roster from the team’s practice squad. Now Marcus Easley and Craig Davis have been added to the fold giving Buffalo nine capable NFL wideouts. So how many will Buffalo keep on the 53-man roster come early September?

My guess is there will be six. Easley hasn’t been able to show a whole lot due to his hyperextended knee that’s kept him out for over a week. He has top 2 receiver ability, but he has to show it first. Donald Jones and Naaman Roosevelt offer the added bonus of special teams ability, which you have to have from your fourth, fifth or sixth receivers on an active roster.

The preseason games will go a long way in determining who is in the final group on the roster, but there is too much talent and too many spread formations in Buffalo’s offense to only have five on the active roster. That’s why I believe strongly there will be six with a very remote chance that they keep seven.

It’s also safe to say there will be a couple of wideouts on Buffalo’s practice squad.

Fan Friday running Q&A

Good evening Bills fans. Glad you could join me. As promised I’m going to be answering your training camp questions here tonight. So you know you can still submit your questions to my email account at AskChris@bills.nfl.net. I’ll be submitting as many of those questions with answers as possible below, so keep refreshing this page as I’ll be adding answers as I move through them. Hopefully your question or one very similar to your question gets answered tonight, otherwise I’ll get to your question in a future Fan Friday post or answer it personally. Just understand training camp is my busiest time of year, so I’ll get back to you as best I can. Thanks for your participation. Let’s get to your questions.

1 - Chris, 

CB: I do know the Bills contract with St. John Fisher is in its last year, but the decisions that are made beyond that are way above my pay grade. I, like you, do not know what the future holds with respect to training camp here. As for giving back to the fans I do know that the next night practice on Saturday (8/6) will include a bunch of contests and giveaways as well as a fireworks show following practice. With respect to a full team autograph session I have not heard anything, but if there is news on that front I’ll pass it along.

7 – Chris,

CB: Joe, I think we’ve heard Buddy address this question before. The Bills plan for building this team into a consistent winner will be done primarily through the draft and any remaining holes will be filled by free agents that aren’t going to break the bank. Yes, they have a lot of cap room, but the amount of cap room the team has isn’t going to change Buddy’s approach.

I know a lot of fans complain to me all the time about why we’re not more aggressive in free agency. What you need to realize is there are teams in the league that have been very successful with the formula that Buddy is adhering to. Indy, Pittsburgh and San Diego draft well, re-sign their own and fill holes with affordable free agents. Two of those teams have won Super Bowls and all three are perennial playoff teams. It’s a proven way to build a perennial winner, the catch is that it takes time and Buddy said as much when he took the job.

8 – Chris,
 
How has Aaron Maybin looked in training camp thus far?  I read something saying that he weighed in under 230.  I also read something saying that Daryl Talley was giving him a lot of individual attention and answering his questions.  Is Maybin big enough to be seriously considered as an OLB?  Has Talley’s tutoring helped him make any plays in camp?  Based on some of the comments Gailey has made about Maybin in the past, and the fact that he wasn’t allowed to dress for so many games last year, I have to assume that Maybin needs to show something during the preseason this year if he hopes to stay on the team.  I really had high hopes for him when he got drafted.  Does he seem to be making any progress? 
-Brendan, Las Vegas

CB: Well Brendan you’re right about Maybin’s weight. His reporting weight at the start of camp was 228 pounds. It does make it harder for him to stand in and hold his ground on run plays or maintain leverage on an outside rush. As for what he needs to show in this camp I’ll leave it to coach Gailey who addressed that subject today after practice.

“Aaron (Maybin) tries hard every time he walks on the field,” said Gailey. “The key for him is being productive on the field. He has to become a consistent player against the run and a consistent pass rusher. He has work to do, he’s not there yet. So we will see how he continues to develop but he has a long way to go.”

9 – I’ve noticed that their appears to be an amazing family atmosphere among the players and coaches of the Bills. Guys really appear to want to work hard for the guy next to them and not necessarily for the big pay day that could ensue. What would you say the impetus behind that has been?
Josh D.

CB: I’d give coach Gailey the credit for that. I said last year that his toughest task in his first year as head coach was to eradicate the losing culture that had enveloped this team over the past decade. It took him more than half the season, but he vanquished it and got the players to rally around each other and pull for one another.

There’s a sign in the Bills team meeting room that coach Gailey put up on the front wall it reads, ‘The STAR of the team is the TEAM.’ Hopefully that explains the approach Gailey has demanded from these players.

10 – Chris – Greetings from Arizona – we survived the wildfires and looking forward to Bills football!!.

Offense is looking good. What do you think of the offensive line ( I am mostly concerned about left tackle) and any chance the Bills make a run at a TE (Bo Scaife was still there this morning).

Larry Kordosky, Hereford, AZ

CB: Glad you folks out west are alright. I think there are some real concerns about the offensive line particularly with respect to pass protection outside the organization on the part of fans and it’s hard to blame you. The line still has an awful lot to prove. I think Demetrius Bell and Erik Pears are certainly capable, but we’ll know a lot more about what they can do as a group when we get to the preseason games especially with some pass rushing talents like Julius Peppers and Elvis Dumervil in the first two preseason contests.

Update – Bo Scaife signed today with Cincinnati.

11 -Chris,

I would like to know who the ‘1’s are currently in practice. I know the depth chart is a fluid thing but reports are that the starting DL at least once was Dareus, Troup and Williams.  Would like to know if that was true?

Steve in Corning

CB: The defensive starters in the team’s base defense are as follows.

DL – Dareus, Williams, Edwards
LBs – Kelsay, Davis, Barnett, Merriman
DBs - McGee, Wilson, Byrd, Florence

Now there are several different subpackages where the personnel groupings are very different and the Bills run a lot of these during the practices, particularly nickel lineups with the offense going 3 wide so often. So that is where some of the misinformation is coming from. Even I made a mistake last week when I thought rookie Da’Norris Searcy was running with the second team defense for a few reps here and there. Actually he’s running with the second team nickel package. I’ll try to come up with an easy way to view the lineups. Maybe I’ll put that together tomorrow here on the blog.

Well folks, that’s all the time I’ve got. I’ve got to still put the Practice Notes together for tonight. Some good performances turned in by Chandler, Donald Jones, Terrence McGee and others. I’ll have it all to you in about an hour. Thanks for participating and hope to do it again real soon.

Easley update

Bills WR Marcus Easley is getting closer to a return.

For the first time in 5 days Easley is not wearing a knee brace and performed stretching exercises with his fellow receivers.

Easley is not participating in practice, but he did light work on the side Thursday night.

Easley working on side

Bills head coach Chan Gailey said that WR Marcus Easly would miss about a week of work after suffering a hyperextended knee. The good news is today he began working his way back.

Easley is currently working with stength and conditioning coordinator Jon Ciano on the side. So far he’s done some isometric work (both legs).

Shep, Easley out a week

Bills head coach Chan Gailey updated the status of injured players Kelvin Sheppard and Marcus Easley and they’re going to be spectators for a little while.

“Sheppard is going to be out for a little while,” said Gailey. “I think at least a week and then we’ll re-evaluate at the end of the week.”

When asked about Easley Gailey said, “About the same thing. About a week.”

Sheppard pulled his left hamstring Sunday night while Easley hyperextended his left knee in Saturday’s practice.

Easley, Sheppard watching

Non-participants at the afternoon practice here on Monday are WR Marcus Easley and LB Kelvin Sheppard.

Sheppard has a hamstring pull. Easley has a hyperextended knee.

Easley has hyperextension

The news is not good for receiver Marcus Easley, but it could’ve been a whole lot worse. Easley sustained a leg injury in Saturday’s practice and did not participate Sunday night. Head coach Chan Gailey provided an update on his condition.

“That knee is bothering him,” said Gailey. “It was just one of those things. He hyperextended it, you could see it on the film, plain as day. It could’ve happened to anybody.”

Gailey did not provide a timetable as to when Easley would return.

Easley a spectator

Bills head coach Chan Gailey didn’t think it was anything serious when Marcus Easley tweaked his left knee late in practice Saturdayn but it was enough to keep him from practicing Sunday night.

Easley is watching tonight’s practice with a wrap on the left knee. We’ll try to get an update after practice.