Archives for August 31, 2016

'In addition, Ryan added that Thursday's preseason contest against the Detroit Lions will be used as the same final measuring stick for the final cuts to 53, which is due by Saturday.'

'“There are teams that are a little more aggressive trading than other teams,” Thompson said. “I would classify us as not very aggressive, and it’s probably my fault because I’m a builder. I like to gather the chicks all into the barn and keep them all to myself. I’d rather work with the guys that we have and try to make them better, than trading one of them to some other team to get somebody else’s guy, if you know what I mean.'

'"I know I am," he said upon reporting to training camp.'

'The Bills have lacked depth at outside linebacker. Rookie first-round pick Shaq Lawson had shoulder surgery in May and will miss at least the first month of the season. Backup IK Enempkali sustained a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago.'

'The Bills placed their first-round draft pick on the reserve/physically unable to perform list Tuesday as part of a series of moves trim their roster to the NFL-maximum 75 players. Lawson only began working out on his own two weeks ago since having shoulder surgery in May to repair an injury that nagged him at Clemson.'

'McCray, 26, factors in as an outside linebacker in the Bills' 3-4 scheme, the same alignment used by the Broncos.'

'"But the guys that have given everything they have, and just wasn't quite good enough, it's tough. I mean there is no doubt it's the worst time as a coach."'

'McCray appeared in 11 games for the Denver Broncos last season, finishing with seven tackles and a 1/2 sack.'

'Gragg and Dowling had severe knee injuries during that Washington game, they must clear waivers to make it to injured reserve.'

'McCray is a former undrafted free agent in 2013, originally signed by the Denver Broncos. The Dunnellon, Florida, native is 6'3", 249 lbs., and won last season's Super Bowl with the club. McCray has accumulated 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one pass defensed, and 3 quarterback hits in two seasons with the Broncos.'

'In the meantime, running back Mike Gillislee, who has also been in concussion protocol, was no longer wearing the red no-contact jersey he had on Monday. He seemed to be doing the same drills as all the other running backs during the individual portion of practice.'

'The biggest name on the list of the initial cuts, Greg Little was let go ahead of players like Walt Powell, Jarrett Boykin, and Dez Lewis, which must mean one thing: the final wide receivers kept on the roster must play a role on special teams. Little was a non-factor on special teams, only getting two snaps in that phase of the game. He's a physical wide receiver, but had too many inconsistencies with his hands throughout the summer.'

'Notice the player that is absent among those four names, even after Rex Ryan added to the list? Greg Salas, that’s who. Salas has been working a lot with the first-team offense throughout both the offseason and during training camp, and with a solid special teams presence, it seems like the Bills are looking at Salas as their firm No. 4 wide receiver on the depth chart.'

'Lawson’s draft classmate Kolby Listenbee was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. Coming off of double sports hernia surgery Listenbee’s recovery was slowed by pelvic inflammation. It compromised his plans to be ready for training camp and the preseason. He too will use the next six weeks to hopefully round into form to also be a consideration for returning to practice between Weeks 7 and 10 of the regular season.'

'McCray, 6-2, 246, was signed by Green Bay this past April after he was not retained by the Denver Broncos following their win in Super Bowl 50. The 26-year old was originally signed as an undrafted rookie in 2013 by Denver. He spent his first NFL season on injured reserve, but has appeared in 24 games over the past two seasons with the Broncos, including four playoff games.'