Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - It’s been a long offseason for many Buffalo Bills players, but it was even longer for defensive tackle Jordan Phillips.
The Bills defensive tackle, who missed two of the team's final four regular season games with a shoulder injury then didn't play in their first playoff game against the Miami Dolphins, was back on the field with his teammates on Sunday afternoon at training camp at St. John Fisher University.
LISTEN LIVE TO WGR:
"I didn’t think it was going be as tough as it was, but I’m happy to be where I’m at right now," said Phillips following Sunday's practice in Rochester.
Phillips started training camp on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and was ineligible to practice until he was officially taken off that list prior to practice on Sunday.
Defensive end Von Miller and linebacker Tyler Matakevich still remain on the Active/PUP at this time.
Phillips took part in individual position work on Sunday, but did not take any defensive team reps against the offense.
Phillips wasn't the only player who returned to practice on Sunday.
Linebacker Matt Milano and cornerback Taron Johnson sat out Friday night’s open practice at Highmark Stadium due to "general soreness". Both players were back on the field in what, appeared to be, full capacity on Sunday.
During Sunday's session, defensive back Cam Lewis went up high to grab an interception and collided with another player. Lewis came down hard and was flat on his back on the grass. Safety Dean Marlowe immediately called for trainers to tend to Lewis, who stayed down for several minutes before eventually getting up and walking off slowly with trainers to the medical tent.
Lewis did not return to practice.
Defensive end Leonard Floyd was also looked at by trainers for a few minutes on the sidelines. He then got a wrap on his right arm and re-entered the session.
Last week, it was Dane Jackson and Kaiir Elam who were able to pick off Josh Allen in 11-on-11 work. Sunday saw Christian Benford got one himself, doing a great job to cover the intended receiver, get his head around, and high point the ball.
That was one of a very few mistakes Allen made on the day. Otherwise, the quarterback was firing the ball into receivers’ arms both from the pocket and on the move. Allen's arm strength was on display several times, not by his deep ball but by his velocity.
As far as position battles go, it was much of the same rotation that we’ve seen at all three spots that are up for grabs.
Jackson, Benford, and Elam all got work with the first unit defense. So did Tyrel Dodson and Terrel Bernard at middle linebacker. O’Cyrus Torrence and Ryan Bates both lined up with the first offense.
Next up:
The team is back on the field for practice on Monday at 9:45 a.m. ET. This practice will be open to the media, but completely closed to fans.
Follow me on X: @SalSports
