Buffalo News

‘With Dawuane Smoot going to injured reserve, the signing of Jefferson makes perfect sense. They are very similar players, each of whom has the versatility to slide inside or play the edge. Jefferson has been productive since leaving Buffalo. I’ll admit I’m perplexed by the signing of Phillips. The Bills’ need at defensive tackle seems to be more for a run stuffer than a penetrating, pass-rush type, which Phillips mostly has been in his career.’

‘“One thing that we do here is we are constantly setting mindsets,” Babich said last week. “It’s really important to start your week with a mindset. We kind of frame that on a week-by-week basis. But when it comes down to the individual player, you’ve really got to frame their mind of how powerful it is to believe that you are the best in the NFL. And who cares what the statistics say? Who cares what accolades you get? And all those other things.”’

‘Coleman has been dealing with a wrist injury that he sustained against the Miami Dolphins. He has not practiced this week. McDermott said the injury could be “week to week” and “maybe beyond.” McDermott said that injured reserve has been discussed for Coleman, but he does not currently think that Coleman will head to IR.’

‘Elam’s time with the Bills has been documented. Expectations befitting a first-round pick. … Started seven games (regular season and playoffs) in 2022 and had three interceptions. … Tried to play through an early 2023 ankle injury before he was shut down; he played only five total games. … Backup this year to Douglas and Benford.’

‘“I think they’ve done a real nice job, I really do,” head coach Sean McDermott said of Rapp and Hamlin. “Do they have the experience, maybe, that Jordan and Micah do and some of the things that were kind of feathers in their cap? Maybe not yet, but that’ll come. I think those two players have been very consistent for us and probably some of the more consistent players we’ve had … even though they’ve both been a little bit banged up. I mean, every player is this time of year, right?’

‘“He’s been around the league for a really long time, played at a high level for a really long time, seen everything,” linebacker Terrel Bernard said. “Obviously, a big part of our stuff this week is going to be disguising and trying to not tip our hand early.”’

‘Listed as full participants for a second day in a row were: quarterback Josh Allen (left hand), linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle/pectoral), offensive lineman Spencer Brown (wrist), cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm), defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (foot), tight end Dawson Knox (ankle), tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee), defensive back Cam Lewis (shoulder), tight end Quintin Morris (shoulder/hamstring), safety Taylor Rapp (foot), defensive end Casey Toohill (knee) and linebacker Dorian Williams (knee).’

‘Josh Allen’s performance in Sunday’s 30-27 win over the Miami Dolphins – 25 of 39 attempts, 235 yards and three touchdowns, all in the second half – came in a game that was close in almost every category, including the final score.’

‘Bass showed brass … footballs.’

‘“Just gratitude. I’ll say that, man,” Jefferson said Wednesday. “Grateful to come back to organization, winning and just trying to fit back in. Just try to help out what I can and just play football again. You know, it’s been a few weeks, so I’m just blessed to be able to get the opportunity to get back on the field.”’

‘This doesn’t mean the Bills can’t knock off the Chiefs or Ravens. But the Bills still are an underdog to those two.’

‘“I think it could be more than just this week, but we’ll see,” McDermott said. “Again, I’ll know more. The evaluation is still ongoing, here.”’

‘Bills coach Lou Saban thought this sounded crazy. Pro football teams had smaller rosters in those days. Who had room for a specialist? Kickers typically played fulltime at other positions. Saban, a middle linebacker with the Cleveland Browns in the late 1940s, understood this better than most. When Lou “The Toe” Groza – an offensive tackle for the Browns as well as their kicker – was out hurt, Saban filled in as kicker.’

‘In general, the six-OL approach fits with the Bills’ emphasis on a power-run approach that makes defenses pay for the respect – or fear – they show toward quarterback Josh Allen by protecting deep with two-safety-high shell coverages.’

‘Edwards will count $1.79 million in dead money on Buffalo’s cap, according to sports business website spotrac.com.’