Archives for November 24, 2016

'Without Watkins, the Buffalo passing game has sputtered. The Bills rank dead last in the league at 185.7 yards per game, and the leading receiver, the now-injured Robert Woods, has just 42 receptions for 493 yards.'

'"I don't know," Ryan said. "I know the team played hard when Doug was the coach here. How things worked out, I don't know. Doug's not this team's coach anymore. I am, I'm blessed to be the coach here. I hope it's a miserable experience, for everybody. We want to win, man. I think our fans are, you know, this is as loyal a fan base as there is, so we want to create that miserable day for people, and the fans are a big part of that."'

'"I don't see any change in Doug," Bradley said. "He's been a great addition to our staff. He does a great job with the offensive line. I can see what made him a really good head coach as far as his leadership, knowledge of football and he passes that on to the offensive line. I know I lean on him, we have great conversations. That's no different than any other week. I don't see any change taking place."'

'The third-year wide receiver has been in and out of the lineup throughout his young career, but his talent has been obvious when he's on the field. He'll be a welcome addition to a passing by game that has been inconsistent in 2016.'

'For the season, Carpenter has made 14-of-18 field goal attempts (77.8 percent) and 25-of-27 extra points.'

'Maybe this investigation will help limit this type of behavior in the future. But given the track record Bills fans have developed, it may take more than one arrest to calm things down.'

'“We’re encouraged by the fact that he has been cleared to participate. I think that’s a good sign. He feels good, so we’ll see how it goes. We’re not going to run him until his tongue’s hanging out. We’ll be smart with him in how many plays we do. We’ll limit him today, but then we’ll see how he progresses. Is there a chance that he could play? I hope so,” Ryan said.'

'Top receiver Sammy Watkins practiced for the first time since being placed on IR following the team’s Week 2 loss to the New York Jets.'

'The Bills' top receiving threat has been limited to six catches for 63 yards in playing the first two games this season.'

'Bills are tied with Seahawks for NFL lead with 31 sacks.'

'"We'll lean on him, and we'll keep watching him as he goes," Ryan said. "The big thing is making sure his thumb doesn't get infected. If that stays clean and there's no issue there, I think he's going to be OK.'

'"I hope it's a miserable experience," current Bills coach Rex Ryan said. "We want to win, man. Our fans, this is as loyal a fan base as there is, so we want to create that miserable day for people, and the fans are a big part of it."'

'Whaley cautioned that the fourth-overall pick in 2014 may not play this week when the team takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars. He said the medical staff will evaluate Watkins’ foot after practice and throughout the week and also see how he feels before making that determination.'

'This is the second time Carpenter has won the same award with the Bills, and it is the sixth time he has won the honor in his career. The last time he was named as Special Teams Player of the Week was in Week 1 of the 2014 season.'

'By having him on the practice field. Watkins automatically takes on the role as the player designated to return from I-R. If deemed ready, he would be eligible to play as early as this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars.'