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Buffalo Bills News and Discussion

Archives for September 5, 2020

Harrison Phillips ready for full workload after healthy Bills camp

‘“Whatever Coach McDermott tells me to do, I’m doing it,” Phillips said. “If I just had to ballpark, I would say that every two-hour practice we had, we’re getting 35 snaps each practice at a minimum, and that’s in the team period. It’s not including 1-on-1 pass rush or individual periods. The whole defensive line is probably getting closer to 45 snaps, 100% getting off the ball and using your hands at practice. So, obviously, we’d be capable. I know my body definitely can handle 35 snaps, no question.”’

Bills place fullback Patrick DiMarco on IR, ending his season

‘The move leaves the Bills without a fullback on the roster. Undrafted rookie Reggie Gilliam had been wearing a fullback number (41), but switched to a tight end number (86) this week and coach Sean McDermott said he considers Gilliam a tight end. It’s possible the Bills could go without a fullback for the early part of the season and use an extra tight end in short yardage or goal-line situations, when a fullback would be used.’

Bills place Patrick DiMarco on season-ending IR, release Vosean Joseph, Corey Thompson

‘DiMarco missed all of training camp with a neck injury. Since the Bills put him on IR before Saturday’s cutdown deadline, he won’t be eligible to return once the season begins. Had the Bills kept him on the 53-man roster he’d have been eligible to go on IR with the potential of returning in 2020. Since they didn’t it’s likely they reach an injury settlement at some point. DiMarco was set to make $1.9 million this season.’

Robert Foster: Buffalo Bills looking to trade wide receiver?

‘Foster, 26, is coming off of a disappointing 2019 campaign (3-64), but teams may remember how impressive the wide receiver was down the stretch for Buffalo in 2018. Foster recorded 90-yards receiving or more four times from Week 10-16. A lot of Foster’s production came on balls thrown deep down the field.’

10 Buffalo Bills on roster bubble ahead of cutdown day: What should Brandon Beane do?

‘If the Bills hadn’t drafted two receivers in April there wouldn’t even be a question as to whether McKenzie was safe. He didn’t get a ton of looks last season but he’s versatile. Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll raved about McKenzie and what he brings to the locker room with his energy and work ethic. The Bills also love to use him as a decoy and a tool to keep the defense off balance. When he runs across the formation pre-snap it forces the defense to account for him. In a lot of ways he’s a really fast diversion most of the time. But if lanes are opened for quarterback Josh Allen, than McKenzie’s value is tangible. The Bills could keep seven receivers but McDermott hasn’t done that in his three seasons as head coach. To keep McKenzie in a world where the Bills only roster six receivers, they’ll have to cut Pro Bowl return man Andre Roberts or one of the rookies. And that rookie won’t be camp darling Gabriel Davis.’

Bills place DiMarco on injured reserve; release linebackers Joseph and Thompson

‘Thompson’s been primarily a weak-side backup for Matt Milano, and also a core special teams player through his two-year career. He was originally an undrafted free agent who was released as part of final cuts in 2018, but then signed to the team’s practice squad right away. Later that season, he was signed to the active roster. He made the Bills’ 53-man roster right out of camp last season and played 12 games, missing four with an ankle injury. Other than the team’s regular season finale when they rested several defensive players in preparation for the playoffs, he was strictly a special teamer.’

Report: Robert Foster and Jason Croom’s names raised in trade talks

‘Breer wasn’t specific in saying if the Bills were looking to move those players or if other teams have inquired, but Bills general manager Brandon Beane may very well be calling other teams to see if they are willing to give him any compensation before having to release and lose them for nothing.’

Bills 53-man roster projection

‘Given the 16-man practice squad (17 for the Bills if they choose to use their exempt spot on running back Christian Wade), 70 of these players could actually still be with the team next week. Of course, it’s doubtful every person cut is signed back to the practice squad. A few could be claimed, some may want to go to another team’s practice squad where they feel they have a better shot at making an active roster eventually, and the Bills may sign players who get cut by other teams eating up their own spots. However, I think a majority of them will be back with the Bills.’

Bills roster moves

‘Ahead of Saturday’s cuts to get down to a 53-man roster, the Buffalo Bills made roster moves on Friday afternoon to activate tight end Tommy Sweeney has been activated from the PUP list.’

Bills 53-man roster projection

‘Note: I went back and forth on whether to keep “Big Isaiah” or “Little Isaiah” on the roster and in the end… I believe they would regret exposing Hodgins to waivers.’