Archives for September 2015

'“I know Marshawn and him are very good friends and get along. Other than that, that didn’t feed into this,” said Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who noted that the relationship between Jackson and Seattle’s reclusive star running back was not the reason for the team’s interest in Jackson. “He’s just a heck of a football player who might be able to find a role.”'

'“There are always going to be people that judge you, but that’s OK,” Ryan said. “People should worry about themselves more than they should worry about me. They don’t have to agree with me, or whatever, but I got news for you: I’m not changing. I’m going to be myself. I don’t care if you like it, or you dislike it. This is who I am.”'

'Coach Rex Ryan called it a step in the right direction, while adding there's no timetable when McKelvin can begin practicing.'

'If Turbin is sidelined for an extensive period, the Seahawks could use what Jackson provides. Though slowed by injuries the past few years, Jackson is a versatile play-maker as a rusher and receiver, and also a dependable blocker.'

'Reddick also went undrafted in 2013, originally signing with the New Orleans Saints. He has spent time with the Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers, with 12 special teams tackles to his credit in 21 career NFL games.'

'As the occasional supersub behind Lynch, with excellent hands and awareness as a pass blocker, Jackson could prolong his career and do something he has never done in the NFL — reach the playoffs.'

'"They gave me a shot. I'll always be happy about that, but … they closed the door on me playing there, too."'

'“In this league, every time you play you are always auditioning for someone,” Simms said after practice Tuesday. “Whether it is your own teammates, your own coaches, whoever else is watching. But of course anytime that you play football people are always watching. No matter who it is, you just got to go out there play, play hard, execute the play and just have fun.”'

'Some coaches like to get them in for a series or two, but Ryan said, “They’ll be plenty of guys that will be playing that’ll be fighting for roster spots, but I think the starters as we know them will probably sit this one out.”'

'Tuesday morning, wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin both took part in the QB/WR individual session as full participants, running every route, including deeper ones and hard cuts, at full speed. Wide receiver Robert Woods had his helmet with him and took part in stretching and catching passes from the jugs machine, but did not take a rep in the route-running portion of practice the media was able to watch. Chris Hogan also had a helmet with him, but only took part in the stretching portion and then did some footwork on the side with trainers.'

'For the first time since his hospitalization and subsequent “sensitive” medical procedure, rookie running back Karlos Williams worked along the side with trainers and some other injured players. Before his injury, Williams was looking the part as a potential number-two running back behind LeSean McCoy with not only an explosive running style, but as someone who is quite good at pass protection on third downs. The Bills maintain that Williams will be back for the opener, so his inclusion to some form of practice was encouraging.'

'“Obviously I’ve had two years with Matt so I know what he can do, but coming in here and learning a new offense and things I knew it wouldn’t be a problem for him,” said Ryan. “He’s a sharp guy. This young man can play and I think when he gets out there he’s going to prove it.”'

'Freeman joins the Bills after being released on August 30 by the New York Jets. The 6-5, 291 pound Clemson product originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013 with the New York Jets. Freeman played in all 16 games last season for the Jets, starting one.'

'"There are going to be times throughout the season when you have to use your legs to move the chains and string a play along," Taylor said. "We have a bunch of skill players, so if I can keep a play an extended amount of time and let Sammy get open on a defensive back who doesn't want to cover him that long, it's going to be hard for a DB. You have to pick and choose when that comes.'

'That means Cassel could be on the roster bubble. The Bills would save $4.15 million by cutting him. The team's issues with the salary cap in 2016 are well-documented. That's a big chunk of change it could carry over to next year to assist in re-signing players like Marcell Dareus, Nigel Bradham and Cordy Glenn.'