‘”Continuity is important and I wish I could sit here (Monday) and say we know exactly how that’s going to look,” McDermott said. “We’re still looking at some things. We’ve got a pretty good feel how it’s going to look. There’s been ongoing conversations every day, evaluations. And, so, we’re going to continue to look at some things (Monday) as we take the field.”‘
Archives for September 1, 2020
Why Bills aren’t wearing recommended Covid-19 face shield
‘Players who spoke to The Buffalo News about the face shield primarily cited concerns about heat and visibility for their decisions, despite those factors being taken into consideration by engineers who developed the product.’
Bills acquire LB Andre Smith in trade with Panthers
‘The Panthers selected Smith, from the University of North Carolina, in the 2018 draft with the seventh-round pick they received from the Bills for wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. That is just one of many acquisitions the Bills have made from the team that formerly employed Bills General Manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott.’
As regular season draws near, Bills have an alarmingly lengthy injury list
‘Wide receiver John Brown and defensive end Quinton Jefferson were out with what McDermott termed an “illness” so right away, the thoughts went to COVID-19. “The two illnesses, with what we know now at this point, are not connected to COVID, but it’s always a concern,” McDermott said.’
Observations as Bills face cutting roster
‘Four wideouts could then be competing for one spot: Robert Foster, Isaiah McKenzie, Duke Williams and sixth-round draft choice Isaiah Hodgins. The Bills like Hodgins and might be reluctant to waive him and risk losing the rookie before he could be added to the practice squad. Williams qualifies for that option, Foster and McKenzie don’t.’
Buffalo Bills acquire LB Andre Smith in trade with Carolina Panthers
‘The Panthers were set to release the 23-year-old linebacker, but the Bills swooped in at the final moment to complete a trade to prevent him from entering waivers. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport was first to report the deal.’
Andre Smith: 5 things to know about new Buffalo Bills LB
‘Smith, 23, could end up finding a depth role on the Bills’ defense in due time, but he has mostly played on special teams early in his NFL career. Last season, Smith played 66 percent of Carolina’s special teams snaps and recorded five tackles.’
Buffalo Bills injury report grows on Monday; Stefon Diggs set to return from back ailment
‘“The two illnesses with what we know now at this point are not connected to Covid. Always a concern,” McDermott said. “There’s always gonna be, especially this time of camp, an injury list. Any time it grows to the point where it is it’s a concern because that means missed time. We only have so much time to begin with. It’s important that we can get these guys back as soon as possible. And then as always next man up mentality, and that’s what our guys have done to this point.”’
Buffalo Bills 53-man roster projection: Isaiah McKenzie turns in strong camp – can he beat out Isaiah Hodgins?
‘There are several veterans that are in real danger of not making the final roster. Cutting defensive end Trent Murphy could save the Bills $8 million on this year’s salary cap. That kind of rollover cash cold come in handy next offseason if Beane plans on extending linebacker Matt Milano, who’s likely going to get around $13 million per season. With the cap potentially shrinking from $198 million to as low as $175 million as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, money is going to be tight next year. Murphy has been good in camp, but it just might make dollars and cents to go with some of the young ends that have played well also.’
Carolina Panthers have traded a former UNC Tar Heels linebacker
‘Smith had a fine performance in training camp the past couple of weeks, including an interception Friday, but was on the lower end of the depth chart.’
Bills acquire linebacker Andre Smith in trade with Panthers
‘The Panthers actually drafted Smith with the 234th overall pick, which they acquired from the Bills as part of the trade that sent receiver Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo in October 2017.’
Bills acquire linebacker Andre Smith from the Panthers
‘This move likely means less about the Bills linebacker room as it does for special teams contributors. Running back Taiwan Jones, who largely plays special teams, has been absent from Bills practice, dealing with a knee injury.’
Bills injury list grows despite Diggs returning to practice
‘Prior to the afternoon session, head coach Sean McDermott spoke to the media via a Zoom conference call and gave the injury update…’.
Bills CB Levi Wallace playing with “a chip on his shoulder”
‘”I’ve played with a chip on my shoulder since I was a freshman in high school,” Wallace said. “That’s just how I play. That’s who I am. I’ve carried that same chip each and every day from high school, college, and even the NFL.”‘
Bills trade for linebacker Andre Smith
‘Smith, who was a seventh-round pick in 2018, has spent much of his first two seasons in the NFL as a special teams contributor. Last season, Smith took 66 percent of special teams snaps for the Panthers. He also recorded five tackles as a defender.’