Archives for August 18, 1999

‘With the Buffalo backfield depleted by injuries, he could become the biggest longshot running back to make the Bills’ active squad out of training camp since Benedictine’s Jamie Mueller in 1987…The Bills lack depth at running back with promising rookie Shawn Bryson lost for the season with a knee injury. Antowain Smith, the top running back last season, says his torn groin muscle is still a bit sore. Veteran Thurman Thomas can still carry the load at 33, but not all of it. Thomas has adjusted to his role as a part-time back. Jonathan Linton had trouble holding on to the ball at Seattle on Saturday.’

‘According to the selection committee, the recipient is someone who has “set a standard of excellence that has had a tremendous influence on the game of football at the professional level and is worthy of special recognition.”‘

‘Andre Reed and Bruce Smith, who are starting their 15th seasons, and Thurman Thomas, starting his 12th, will see action in the Bills’ preseason game at Washington Friday night.’

‘Two Saturdays ago, the first day individual game tickets went on sale, the Bills sold a single-day club record 24,135 tickets. Team officials say distribution through Wegmans stores was the main reason.’