Two Bills Drive

Giants coach Jim Fassel strongly hinted yesterday that his new kicker, Mike Hollis is headed to season-ending injured reserve. And the Giants have a reason to worry that they could be out a long time. Hollis, who signed a five-year, $4 million contract with a $500,000 signing bonus during the offseason, had back surgery in 2000, causing him to miss four games. Hollis kicked for Buffalo in 2002.

‘The Bills kept six a year ago. How many they keep this season will depend on the status of Olandis Gary. According to sources, the Detroit Lions have contacted the Bills about Gary, who is the top backup behind Travis Henry.’

‘”This whole time I’ve been begging for a chance,” he said. “The window opened up, and I just had to take advantage of it. I just felt so comfortable out there. I’ll just leave that in God’s hands. Every day is so exciting. I’m praying for Travis, obviously, for his finger to heal, but I’m just excited to be a part of this team right now.”‘

‘Bills players and projected number at each position…’.

‘Anyone listening to Miller call the Bills final preseason game, a 22-16 victory over the Detroit Lions, realizes the 70-something voice of the Bills still has a decent set of pipes and great enthusiasm for the game. Just as clearly, his eyesight is failing him at times and he is late to see plays develop and who makes them.’

‘In 1978, the NFL expanded the regular season by two games (14 to 16) and cut the preseason by two (six to four). Now the debate is taking that a step further, cutting the preseason to two games and expanding the regular season to 18.’

‘Meanwhile, veteran Charles Johnson, former practice squader Rodney Wright and fourth-round draft choice Sam Aiken have shown little. Aiken would be perfect for the practice squad, but there’s the risk of losing him if he’s waived.’

‘As the Bills’ fourth receiver, Johnson caught three passes for 39 yards in 12 games.’

‘The moves left the Bills’ roster at 61 players. It must be at 53 by 4 p.m. EDT Sunday.’

The Bills announced that the team has released the following five players:

Jerton Evans, S

Marcus Floyd, CB

Mike Houghton, OL

Charles Johnson, WR

Brady McDonnell, TE

”’Good punt returners have to make that first move,” said Bills head coach Gregg Williams. ”He also has the ability to outrun everyone.”’

‘"We’re thrilled to start the 2003 football season with the Buffalo Bills and can’t imagine a more ideal partner to grow our business in western New York," said Michael Matney, Market Unit General Manager for The Pepsi Bottling Group. "We’re looking forward to working with the Bills organization on exciting programs for fans, retail promotions with the team throughout the region and a variety of initiatives to benefit the Buffalo community."’

‘Bryson had six carries for 10 yards and an 8-yard reception in the first half before Mariucci removed him – again very likely for precautionary reasons as much as any other.’

‘Playing it as safe as possible while still fielding a team, Lions coach Steve Mariucci started Jimmy Wyrick and rookie Blue Adams at the corners Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills.’

‘The partnership features category exclusivity for all Pepsi-Cola products. PBG will also collaborate with the Bills on various retail promotions, branding initiatives, fan entertainment events and community outreach projects.’