Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Saturday's training camp practice at St. John Fisher University marked the first session of camp where the pads went on for the players.
Not only did it give the players the feel of actual football being just around the corner, it also gave the fans in attendance a first look at some of the players in full gear before a game even kicks off. This includes some of the newcomers like Von Miller and O.J. Howard, as well as rookies like Kaiir Elam, James Cook and others.
It's one time of year that Bills head coach Sean McDermott always looks forward to once training camp returns in the summer.
"It’s good to be in pads," said McDermott during his meeting with the media on Saturday. "I know some guys like it, some guys hate it. It’s a little uncomfortable wearing those pads we don’t walk around in everyday.”
McDermott admitted on Saturday he had trouble sleeping the night before because of the anticipation of returning to padded practices.
Meanwhile, the Bills head coach was able to provide an update surrounding All-Pro safety Micah Hyde, who left Friday's practice with a hip injury after going up for an interception. Despite eventually being carted off the field and back to the locker room, McDermott says Hyde will only be day-to-day with hip soreness.
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McDermott also confirmed on Friday that left tackle Dion Dawkins would miss practice again for a personal reason, while wide receivers Jamison Crowder and Jake Kumerow, as well as defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and offensive lineman Ryan Bates all are day-to-day with varying injuries.
With a growing number of players on the injury list, McDermott reiterated how important it is to be available during training camp.
“I’m always concerned whenever a guy misses," he said. "It’s missed reps, and in this case, availability and unavailability creates a challenge for new players developing a rapport.”
You can listen to McDermott’s entire meeting with the media on Saturday in the player below:
