Archives for October 16, 2002

Shane Conlan, who was voted to the Pro Bowl three times during his six years with the Bills retired after the ’95 season, enjoying a nine-year career. Why did he find success in the NFL?

‘ Buffalo Bills running back Shawn Bryson will be sidelined indefinitely after having surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee Wednesday. Bryson, who missed his rookie season in 1999 with torn ligaments in the same knee, was injured in Sunday’s 31-24 win at Houston.’

Bills running back Travis Henry has been selected as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in last week’s win at Houston.

Starting offensive tackle Mike Williams, the fourth player selected in last April's NFL Draft, is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury for Sunday's game at Miami and backup running back Shawn Bryson is ruled out with a knee injury. Williams was hurt in the first quarter of Buffalo's 31-24 win at Houston on Sunday.

‘"It’s obvious we didn’t play a real good game, especially in the first half against the Texans, but we stepped it up in the second half and we’re going to have to build on that against the Dolphins."’

‘Buffalo Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe and Buffalo Sabres captain Stu Barnes will be special guests tonight as West Valley Nuclear Services Co. hosts a gathering of area business leaders at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The goal is to get more businesses involved in United Way fund-raising through direct corporate gifts and employee payroll deductions.’

”’They are going to get a guy who has been in the fire before, who has been a starting quarterback in this league, who is not afraid, who knows what to do,” the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star receiver said Tuesday of his former teammate, who went 6-3 with the New York Jets in 1999."

‘A source said Tuesday that receiver Oronde Gadsden, who sprained his right wrist in Sunday’s win at Denver, is ”very doubtful” to play. Gadsden flew to Dallas on Tuesday, and will be there today to have a second opinion on his swollen wrist, and to see if he can play with the injury for the remainder of the season. He is not expected to practice this week.’

‘The Bills bring only a 3-3 record against the Dolphins on Sunday. Their defense is horrible and their kickoff coverage was gouged for 96- and 98-yard touchdown returns against the Jets. Yet that only makes Bledsoe’s performance this year more remarkable.’

‘It’s still not known whether Chambers will play Sunday against Buffalo.’

‘Dickenson was signed as third quarterback because Jay Fiedler is out with a broken thumb, Ray Lucas has been elevated to starter and Sage Rosenfels is the backup.’

‘In wins against New England and Denver, Taylor has 12 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles.’

‘Dave Dickenson, who spent a year in Norv Turner’s offense in San Diego, was named the Dolphins’ third-string quarterback while Jay Fiedler recuperates from right thumb surgery.’

‘Mr. Automatic has been human, missing 4 of his 13 attempts this season, including a 48-yarder in the first half of Sunday’s game against Denver. But with the game on the line, Dolphins players said there is no one they would rather have kicking for them.’

‘But this year is different. "We’re finally getting some breaks this year," Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas said. "We’ve never had many breaks in the past."’