Archives for November 2, 2016

'"That's my boy, I'm definitely excited," quarterback Tyrod Taylor said. Taylor and Harvin grew up in the Virginia Beach, Virginia, area and played high school football and basketball against each other.'

'Harvin could provide a jolt to a receiving corps that has been decimated by injury. With Sammy Watkins on injured reserve, fellow wideout Robert Woods leads the team in receptions (29) and receiving yards (290) while Marquise Goodwin has a club-best three touchdowns.'

'The Bills are 4-4, the very definition of average, and they've earned that 4-4 record.'

'The Bills have been without Sammy Watkins (foot) for the past six weeks, and he is not eligible to return to play from injured reserve until Nov. 27. Robert Woods has also been limited in recent weeks with a foot injury, while depth options Greg Salas (groin/injured reserve), Marquise Goodwin (concussion) and Brandon Tate (concussion) also have missed time.'

'The move to IR means Williams is out for at least the next eight weeks, but most likely means his season is over (there are nine weeks remaining). The question now is whether or not his career has ended after multiple neck injuries.'

'Last season with Buffalo, Harvin was leading all wide receivers through the first four games with 19 receptions for 218 yards. He also had one touchdown. After Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, injuries to his knee and hip forced Harvin to shut his season down.'

'I'll underscore this by saying we really don't have any idea where Harvin is with his conditioning, or how quickly he'll be able contribute in a significant role. However, there are many, many reasons to like the move.'

'In the short-term, Williams has been placed on Injured Reserve, which will more than likely end his 2016 season, and possibly more. The Associated Press reported last week that Williams' father and his family plan to sit down at the end of the season and consult with the safety about whether or not to continue his playing career.'

'“We always keep every option open and it was one of those things with his familiarity with our offense that we decided to see where he is," said Whaley. "After that step credit to (Bills Senor VP of Football Administration) Jim Overdorf who talked to his agent. His agent reached out to Percy and here we are now.”'

'One of Harvin’s biggest problems the last few seasons was his own work ethic. Since he was a youth player the multi-faceted playmaker played at top speed whether it was a pickup game, practice or game day. In high school and college that approach helped him excel and become a first-round draft choice in 2009. In the grind of a four-month NFL season, however, it can work against you, especially when you’re 5-11 and 184 pounds.'

'“From the medical staff we knew he was going to be out for an extended period of time,” Whaley said. “He’ll take this time to get healthy.”'

'On 3rd-and-1 this season, the Bills have a conversion rate of just over 36 percent (36.4%), which ranks last in the NFL. It’s only marginally better when looking at 3rd-and-short (one to three yards) where Buffalo’s success rate is 42 percent, but still at the bottom of the league.'

'If Alexander can’t go on Monday, rookie Shaq Lawson is set to make his first career start. Lawson recorded his first sack on Sunday and made his presence known. He was in New England’s backfield on several throws and also recorded an additional tackle. Lawson also took a 15-yard penalty for a late hit against Tom Brady, but Ryan is confident that he can continue to improve with even more practice time.'