Archives for September 2017

'Gerald Hodges was signed during the offseason and appeared to have won the backup middle linebacker spot behind Preston Brown, especially after the team traded Reggie Ragland to the Chiefs.'

'Shortly after three players were claimed off waivers and three others released, the Bills announced the signing of seven players to their practice squad, all of whom were originally with the club but released this past weekend as part of the final roster cuts.'

'Those three moves were necessary because the Bills claimed three players off waivers on Sunday. That includes rookie offensive lineman Conor McDermott, linebacker Deon Lacey, and tight end Khari Lee.'

'Williams, who was slated to be the No. 2 back behind LeSean McCoy, played in 11 games as a rookie in 2016 and rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown.'

'Daikiel Shorts, who was also battling for one of the few spots at wide receiver on the active roster, was also signed to the practice squad.'

'The Bills wide receiver group was a mystery for most of August. Guys were signed and traded and retired. What’s left? We’ll the bills acquired Jordan Matthews from Philly. He had 800 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. He will join rookie 2nd round pick Zay Jones. After those two, there are a ton of question marks.'

'This year the Bills are running a one gap scheme. Each member of the front 7 is responsible for a gap. This frees the defensive lineman to attack their gap and try to get up field to make a big play.'

'We asked him about being drafted and having his son born within a two day period, whether or not he has purchased the home he promised for his mom yet, and why he puts ice cubes in his cereal with the milk.'

'The Bills waived a couple of players most thought would stick on the 53-man roster Saturday parting ways with RB Jonathan Williams, WR Philly Brown and LB Gerald Hodges to make room for their three waiver claim players.'

'All seven players came from Buffalo’s previous training camp roster. Wide receivers Brandon Reilly and Daikiel Shorts headlined the list on the offensive side of the ball. Many thought Reilly had a shot at making the 53-man roster, but he and Shorts, who both had pretty consistent preseasons, will develop on the practice squad.'

'Matthews is the unquestioned number one option based on his production in the league, and figures to work mainly out of the slot. Jones and Holmes will be the primary outside receivers with Tate and Clay helping as deep threats and as special teamers.'

'“I can never feel comfortable,” said Alexander. “I was undrafted. I’ve been cut a couple times. I’ve been a bubble guy. So, I’ll always carry that with me. No matter how good my situation may seem, in this league you can never get complacent.”'

'Of the 68 players who were part of the 53-man squad at some time last season, only 27 remain, a mere 14 of them starters, plus punter Colton Schmidt.'

'The Bills’ roster cuts, which were officially announced 10 minutes before the 4 p.m. league-mandated deadline, weren’t all that surprising considering their depth at various positions, including receiver, offensive line and running back.'

'Meanwhile, the speedy Clay could potentially be a downfield threat now that he’s healthy. The 25-year-old, who signed with Carolina in April, caught six passes for 127 yards for the Panthers this preseason. But he has yet to catch a pass in a regular-season game. A 2015 sixth-round pick of Tampa Bay, Clay briefly spent time with Detroit and Baltimore. He averaged 10.6 yards on 23 punts and 24.5 yards on 14 kick returns for the Ravens.'