Archives for September 5, 2016

'Fans tend to disparage this unit, but McCoy, Karlos Williams, Taylor and Gillislee weren’t the only reason Buffalo led the league in rushing. Center Eric Wood is coming off a less-than-stellar year, but is solid as is the left side of the line — guard Richie Incognito and tackle Cordy Glenn — both of whom signed generous contract extensions. Right guard John Miller struggled a bit as a rookie and the right tackle spot is a contest between Seantrel Henderson, fresh from a bout with Crohn’s disease, and veteran Jordan Mills. In reserve are center Patrick Lewis and guard Ryan Groy.'

'"I can’t tell you the last mistake he’s made. I think he’s made one or two the entire camp. Veteran player, but it wasn’t the role that I wanted for him, and I’m not going to put him there," coach Rex Ryan said a couple weeks into training camp. "I want some of these young guys to see if they can’t step up and do it."'

'Vitale, 21, is a 6-foot-2, 225-pounder, who was a sixth-round draft choice by the Buccaneers this year. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors last year as he led Northwestern with 33 catches for 355 yards and four touchdowns. For his career, he had 135 receptions for 1,427 yards and 11 touchdowns. While he's listed as a fullback, Vitale figures to be more of an H-back.'

'Football Perspective referred to Vitale as the champion of this year's NFL combine. It will be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Greg Roman utilizes the versatile Vitale.'

'Lewis was drafted by the Bills in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft. He spent the majority of his rookie season on Buffalo's practice squad and was promoted to the 53-man roster late in the season. Lewis looked strong during OTAs this year, but failed to pick up where he left off during training camp. Buffalo is currently carrying just five receivers, so an early injury in the regular season could elevate Lewis to the main roster.'

'Vitale can line up as both a tight end and a fullback. As a senior, he led Northwestern in receiving with 33 catches for 355 yards and had four touchdowns.'

'"Obviously when Shaq Lawson comes back that role might be a lot different, but I can tell you this right now, he earned it. You guys know it, I know it. You put the tape on, all he did was make plays, show up. He's smart. I think it's more about him than anything else."'

'nless the Bills stay remarkably healthy, this season has 8-8 written all over it, which would mean that not only did the Bills not win the offseason, it's possible they won't be winning much in the regular season.'

'As of right now, Vitale joins Glenn Gronkowski as the only other fullback listed on the roster. To make room for Vitale on the 53-man roster, the team has released linebacker, Jamari Lattimore.'

'There are also reports that former Bills center Gabe Ikard has also signed on with the practice squad, but the team has yet to confirm that transaction. Ikard was claimed by the Bills off of waivers last season before being released in December.'

'A sixth round pick in this past year's draft, Vitale was with Tampa Bay in the preseason.'

'In addition, the team has signed K Jordan Gay and WR Dezmin Lewis to the team’s practice squad. Gay was released by the team on August 31 and Lewis was released by the team on September 2.'