Archives for August 31, 2016

'As for the Bills’ situation at wide receiver, losing Little, Easley and Listenbee reduces the field at that position to eight, with five or six likely to survive Saturday’s cut to the regular-season roster maximum of 53. Starters Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods, plus Marquise Goodwin and Walter Powell, whose glittering training camp as a receiver and returner preclude his being cut, are roster locks. That leaves veterans Greg Salas and Jarrett Boykin, last year’s seventh rounder Dez Lewis and rookie Kain Colter battling for one or two spots.'

'Among the cuts, Kugler is a former All-Western New Yorker at Orchard Park High School, while Little and Striker are the most noteworthy. The former is a sixth-year veteran who was part of a crowded competition for jobs at receiver, while the latter briefly got time with the first team at outside linebacker during training camp.'

'McCray's biggest contribution in the NFL thus far has been on special teams. He played 28 special-teams snaps in the Broncos' Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers in February, and overall played exactly 50 percent of the team's special-teams snaps during the regular season.'

'“He took some reps yesterday,” coach Rex Ryan said before the Bills practiced Tuesday. “We’ll see how he feels. I’ll leave that obviously up to medical, the trainers, and I hope he can play. That’s what we want – him to be able to play – but we’re not going to put him out there if can’t defend himself or he’s injured in any way, so we’ll see. He was a little rusty yesterday so hopefully he’ll get a little better as we get going.”'

'Well yeah, we’re not playing our starters that game, but there’s still roster spots—somebody will make this team based on how they perform on Thursday. That seems to always be the case year-in and year-out and that’s still out there. It’s an important game, see that’s what I think sometimes it gets lost in the fact that this game is important, but it’s important for evaluating.'

'All of the other issues are fixable. The QB, as we all know, is colossally hard to fix. If Tyrod takes a step forward, the future looks so bright. If he clearly regresses – UGH – we could be looking at 2019 or 2020 before the drought has a realistic chance of ending.'

'Conclusion: 8-8.'

'“I never feel good. I wake up every day thinking I’ll be cut,’’ Gay, 26, said. “It keeps you on your toes. You never feel comfortable that way, you’re constantly trying to get better.’’'

'“You know I love the way he plays, the passion he plays with,’’ Ryan said. “Obviously, he does have some limitations with his size, speed. It doesn’t fit the NFL standard. But I love the guy’s heart. And he’s got a chance to play. It’s just unfortunate I think, you know, for him. We have some really good players in front of him. And some veteran players, and that’s not an easy thing.’’'

'Little was competing all summer to be one of the team's top five or six wide receivers, but he was the first one cut. Meanwhile, undrafted rookie linebacker Eric Striker was also a part of the first round of cuts after winning over fans with his passion and underdog story.'

'The Bills have needed depth at outside linebacker ever since IK Enemkpali tore his ACL in the preseason opener. McCray has a chance to stick on the roster if he can contribute on special teams. This could mean trouble for guys like Eric Striker, Bryson Albright and Kroy Biermann, who are all currently competing for snaps behind Jerry Hughes, Manny Lawson and Lorenzo Alexander.'

'"I agree with that. I think every coach. I'm telling you what I believe, but I think all coaches would like that. I don't think there's any doubt. Keep them there, get good looks at the entire thing. Right now, we're going to let some good players go, but you're exactly right, this could be a great opportunity for them to play, but unfortunately they won't have that opportunity."'

'"Guys are talking about not only the fact that he didn't stand but what it represents, what he's trying to make everybody in the nation aware of," Hughes said Tuesday at One Bills Drive. "I certainly understand his plight and understand what he's doing. It's just fun to get that forum, that topic out here in the locker room. We should be able to discuss anything in our society. It shouldn't make anybody uncomfortable. It's just great to have that out there on the floor."'

'Along with Little and Hawthrone, long snapper Reid Ferguson, OL Robert Kugler, TE Jimmy Mundine, LB Eric Striker, DT Alameda Ta'amu, QB Austin Trainor, and DT Justin Zimmer were cut.'

'McCray, a 26-year-old outside linebacker, will cause concern for other linebacker options with cuts scheduled to come down by 4 p.m. including undrafted rookies Eric Striker and Bryson Albright.'