UHSLA

Last year's long snapper was Schneck. If Schneck goes, Neufeld is the back up long snapper, which would mean he stays. Cieslak got a lot of pub during the offseason but hasn't done much to impress during camp. For him to win out over Neufeld for the third TE spot, he'd have to really show something. As of the last game, Neufeld was starting on special teams - Cieslak didn't. The third TE has to be able to play special teams. Neufeld stays - Cieslak goes to the PS.

Burns and Neufeld stay. Both are extremely versatile players who can do a lot - it's hard to cut players like that. I'm guessing it's why they've both been around longer than a lot of other players on the team. Not to mention they are part of Bobby April's special teams unit. They stay and both make the final cut. Cieslak will be the TE casualty this year.

Okay, now I know you're trippin'. Reed got a massive signing bonus during the offseason - he's not going anywhere. And based on what I saw last night, Cieslak was on the field with the second string special teamers and once or twice at tight end. Neufeld on the other hand, started on special teams and was out there on offense a lot. Based on the recent changes to the depth chart on the Bills' website, Cieslak makes his way back to the practice squad while Neufeld sticks around to add some veteran depth at TE.

Maybe because Neufeld's actually a decent tight end. You don't hang around on an NFL roster for three years if you don't have any skills. Cieslak didn't do crap in last week's game. After several bad practices and a mediocre game performance, I think the coaches realize the Cieslak experiment is finally over. Put him back on the practice squad. And Everett looked lost out there. He's probably just not ready. Obviously the coaches aren't satisfied with his progress up to this point. Based on what I've seen at camp, Royal is going to be an effective receiving threat, while Neufeld continues to block well. The two of them out there on double TEs sets is the best way to go. I think it's a good change. The best players should be on the field opening day. Period.

I still think Neufeld makes the team - he's the only back up with any TE experience. I can't imagine they'd back up an injury-prone Royal with inexperienced Cieslak and Everett. I think they may try to make room for all of them. The key will be special teams. Whoever is ahead on the depth chart on special teams between Neufeld and Cieslak will determine who makes the final cut.

If Neufeld was as bad a player as you say he is, no way a team would be paying him half a million bucks a year and I doubt he'd be on a team for three seasons and counting. He's obviously better on special teams than you suggest since he starts on all the special teams units. And have you seen him take a hit on the wedge? I actually think he's been a great addition to the team in the past several years, providing consistent (even if umremarkable) back up play when a starter goes down. I hope to see some good things out of Cieslak this training camp, but for him to make the team over Neufeld, he's going to have to outplay Neufeld on special teams. That will be the key. I still find it highly unlikely that the Bills will back up Royal with an unproven TE coming off a knee injury and a second year guy with very little experience. Since Royal appears to be a bit injury prone, having a vet back up on the team is crucial. And by the way, if I remember correctly, Everett and Neufeld didn't participate in the first minicamp because of injuries. Only after that camp did the first depth chart come out. It seemingly hasn't been updated since then with the exception of adding in some new names. Until training camp and that first preseason game, I don't may much attention to the depth chart at all. It's unreliable at this point.

Doubt it. I'd actually like to see Neufeld stick around. He's no standout, but a solid special teams player and completely versatile. Everett's unproven, Cieslak has little experience. I just can't imagine they'd back up Royal with two guys with no experience. It'll be interesting to see how Campbell and Euhus do down in New Orleans.

My guess is it's because Neufeld and Everett didn't participate in the first minicamp (both injured) so the coaches were only able to assess those who participated. I think it's so premature to assume the current depth chart is on the money.

I'm actually thinking it'll look like this: Royal, Everett, Neufeld (because of his special teams play) with Cieslak on the PS again for insurance (if someone gets hurt). Everett has a lot to prove - especially that he can stay healthy. I think they keep Cieslak on the PS for some good, dependable depth. I actually think Euhus may be done. Cieslak's getting a lot of hype right now, but I hope he doesn't fall victim to the Haddad syndrome from last year. I was really sure Drew Haddad would make the team - total surprise cut during camp because he'd done so well. Then again, if we keep 1 FB on the roster, there is always the possibility that we'll keep 4 TEs. Both Cieslak and Neufeld are h-back type TEs so if the coaches decide to use them in that capacity, we could definitely see 4 TEs on the roster. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out during camp.

Yeah, and Brad Cieslak is listed ahead of Everett, Euhus and Neufeld. Sounds accurate to me. Psych.

He's been playing very well over there in Europe. I think he will be a very good back up when he gets back.

Well, we have a ridiculous number of draft picks this year, so I wouldn't be surprised if we see one picked up in the later rounds. It's definitely not a need position at this point, but it's not out of the question that we might pick one up in the draft. Unfortunately for Euhus, I think if Everett does well this offseason and in training camp, Euhus might be gone. No way he'll be the third TE - the third TE needs to be able to play special teams well, and Euhus hasn't really done that. I think Neufeld keeps that third spot over Euhus. Which isn't a bad thing for Euhus - he's a young guy who got drafted so he'd end up somewhere - he just better hope he stays healthy.

There is so much more to ST than tackles. Obviously on kick off return and punt return, blocking is key. Wire is obviously doing something right or he wouldn't be out there.

It looks like our special teams corp is intact for the most part, which is a good thing. Mario Haggan, Josh Stamer, Ryan Denney and Sam Aiken - all returning. Nice. I read a lot about why guys like Coy Wire and Ryan Neufeld and Joe Burns are still on this team. Probably because each one of them is a starter on the most dominant special teams unit in the NFL, and they have been for the past couple of years, and that's why they are still on this team. It just floors me when people are so quick to question their status on this team. Each one of them has shown the ability to be outstanding special teams players while providing decent depth in case of injuries. I wouldn't be so flippant about getting rid of them.

I'm sure Neufeld wasn't too surprised - Royal probably had to pay him to get the number. This happens all the time.

If they do, that really spells trouble for Euhus as Neufeld is seen as more of an h-back type player.

Seriously? If anyone should be worried, it's Euhus. With the return of Kevin Everett, Euhus is the third TE at best. Problem is, the third TE has to be able to contribute on special teams, and Euhus hasn't shown any special teams skills. He'll be competing with Neufeld for that third TE spot, and Neufeld started on every special teams unit last year. I think this move spells more trouble for Euhus than Neufeld.

He hasn't been playing TE all year (although, I suspect he's better than Euhus), but he starts on every one of our special teams units. So I think he will be missed overall even if he didn't have a huge impact on offense.

I'm not really surprised we haven't heard anything yet, but I wonder how bad Neufeld's knee is. Willis and Shaud were also banged up a bit. I hope they are ready to go this weekend.

Well, we all know Mularkey has actual playing experience and that doesn't seem to be helping, does it?

I agree - it's time for the team to do something back there. I think Shelton has dropped more passes than he's caught. I wouldn't cut Neufeld though - he's taken some serious whacks in the wedge on special teams - someone who doesn't want to get hit can't do that.

It doesn't matter who our tight end is - Mularkey doesn't use TEs in his offense.

When is the fashion show? Did they say where you can get information about it?

I think Neufeld dropped two passes towards the end of the season - I think Campbell dropped way more than that at the beginning of last year. I specifically remember his dropping a couple just in the Oakland game.

Actually - they did. Both Campbell and Neufeld were blocking well. There was one play where both were WIDE open - I mean, WIDE open. JP never looked their way.