Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550/WBEN) - Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins was excused from practice on Thursday after a small plane crashed near his home in the Town of Aurora.
The pilot, who was the lone occupant of the Beechcraft A36 aircraft, reportedly died after the plane crashed into a backyard in a suburban area.
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Dawkins was the only player on the team's 53-man active roster who officially did not participate in practice. He did return to the facility later in the day, and spoke with reporters.
Linebacker Baylon Spector moved from a full participant at Wednesday's walk-through to limited on Thursday with a calf injury. Everyone else, outside of Dawkins, remained the same as far as practice participation.
The Bills also made a roster move on Thursday, re-signing defensive end Casey Toohill to the practice squad and releasing defensive tackle Eli Anjou.
Kickoff this Sunday between the Bills and Patriots is slated for 4:25 p.m. EST at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.