‘Phillips has cultivated some depth at a variety of positions but, as always, how far the Bills go will depend largely on overall team health. It’s the same for virtually every team in the league — injuries tell the tale.’
Archives for August 5, 1999
Bills’ Wiley Has Charges Dropped
‘Wiley and his girlfriend filed charges against one another in Orchard Park Town Court following a domestic dispute in May, but each dropped the charges in court Tuesday.’
Back In The Backfield
‘The Bills’ concern over Smith’s condition has ranged from borderline panic to relaxed optimism. Wade Phillips used the word “chronic” in describing the injury earlier in the week, but Wednesday said he was expecting Smith back. He couldn’t say when.’
Bills Won’t Use Thomas To Replace Smith
‘Asked if he could return to full-time duty after settling into a speciality back role, Thomas, 33, said he’d do it but warned he’d be shot by mid-season. “I’m not ready to go back to full time,” said the man who is ninth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 11,786 yards. “I like the role I’m in, not all beat up and unable to practice until Thursdays. “If I have to play full time, go 60 or 70 plays, I’m ready to try early in the season but once it gets late in the year, I’d have to cut back and rest. It’s just because of my age and I’ve been hit so much in 12 years. It’s just the way it is, like a Marcus Allen.”‘
Bills, ‘O’ Marks The Spot On The Line
‘This season, second-year tackle Robert Hicks and third-year man Marcus Spriggs have demonstrated they’re ready to contribute more than shade. Their readiness convinced the coaching staff it was time to reshuffle the deck and find the best starting five. That means the 325-pound Ostroski, one of the strongest players on the Bills, replaces the 298-pound Zeigler, who has struggled for two seasons at center against ever-enlarging nose tackles. It means Hicks, a mammoth 6-7, 340-pounder in the mold of Howard “House” Ballard goes in at right tackle, with the 315-pound Spriggs, presently nursing a hip flexor injury, there to push him. “I think it’s a good combination,” coach Wade Phillips said. “I wasn’t positive we had the best five out there (before). We’ll see if that’s the case now.”‘