Mike Rodak @mikerodak1m
Deadline to cut to 53 isn't until 6pm tomorrow, but the Bills will have to make one move today. Byrd's exemption expires at 4pm
Practice Squat eligibles:
http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/08/29/bills-who-are-practice-squad-eligible/
LB Kiko Alonso
LB/DE Jamie Blatnick
DE Kourtnei Brown
RB Zac Brown
DT Corbin Bryant
G Zack Chibane
DE Izaan Cross
S Jordan Dangerfield
LB Marcus Dowtin
WR Marcus Easley
CB Kip Edwards
RB Kendall Gaskins
WR Marquise Goodwin
TE Chris Gragg
CB T.J. Heath
WR Chris Hogan
K Dustin Hopkins
WR Brandon Kaufman
QB Thad Lewis
QB E.J. Manuel
S Jonathan Meeks
LB Keith Pough
TE Nick Provo
CB Nickell Robey
OT Zebrie Sanders
FB Drew Smith
LB Brian Smith
FB Frank Summers
QB Jeff Tuel
S Duke Williams
WR Robert Woods
I can see why Smith would stick with concerns at multiple positions. But Easley and Hogan have looked better as WRs.
I kind of wish we'd drop the Fullback and keep Dickerson, as well. But I'm not sure if that fits our scheme.
Of course he would still miss plays. How about when he misses plays he otherwise wouldn't have? Byrd is a great Safety, but I don't expect him to play up to that standard until a few games into the season.
I think when (not if) he misses plays, this criticism will be plenty fair. You don't get into game shape and speed on week 1 without going through practices and preseason.
With all the injuries at key positions, I suspect we'll lose, and lose badly.
IF EJ, Gilmore and Byrd were healthy and at full speed, I'd expect the Bills to at least be competitive, if not get the win.