Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - You know things are starting to get more physical when a fight breaks out among players who aren't even directly involved in the play.
That was the case during Monday's practice at Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University in Rochester.
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During wide receiver vs. defensive backs 1-on-1 drills, wideout Trent Sherfield and cornerback Kaiir Elam, who weren't even going against one another on that particular play, suddenly started scuffling behind quarterback Matt Barkley after he threw a pass in the other direction.
While it didn't appear any actual punches were thrown, both players were lying on the ground, trying to get the better of each other as teammates, including Barkley, came in to pry them away.
Eventually both got up, neither with their helmet on, and walked back to their respective sides.
Later, during 11-on-11 work, linebacker Terrel Bernard and right tackle Spencer Brown got into it. Again, no actual punches were thrown, but it drew a crowd of players from both sides, and several players continued to jaw at one another.
Situations like this can pop up at any time, but this would be the particular week it might happen a little more often. Players have been battling each other for almost two weeks, the pads are on now, and it's hot.
The first preseason game this Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium will be a welcome relief, and an opportunity to go against a new opponent.
Here's what also took place during Monday's practice at training camp:
Dion leaves early
Starting left tackle Dion Dawkins walked out to practice with all of his gear on, as usual. Shortly after the session began, though, he walked off the field with trainers, and eventually all the way back into the locker room.
Dawkins did come back out several minutes later, but without his pads on, and watched from the sidelines.
With Dawkins out, David Quessenberry was mainly at left tackle with the first-team offense.
Oliver and Lewis sit
Defensive back Cam Lewis came down hard after being hit in the air by another player on Sunday, as they were both attempting to catch a deep ball. Lewis was on the ground for several minutes before walking off with trainers.
Head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that Lewis has a groin injury, and confirmed there is no head injury. Lewis sat out of Monday's session and watched from the sideline.
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver also sat out in street clothes, as he deals with back soreness.
Fullback Reggie Gilliam has a groin injury and also did not participate.
Wide receiver Isaiah Coulter is still out of action as he deals with a knee injury.
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on Sunday, took part in individual position work, but was not on the field for any team periods against the offense.
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Position battles
As several position battles continue it was Dane Jackson getting the majority of work with the first-team defense on Monday opposite Tre'Davious White at cornerback.
Terrel Bernard got the bulk of the work as the starting middle linebacker.
Ryan Bates moved around from guard to center, and O'Cyrus Torrence continued to see looks with both the first and second units. Torrence, normally at right guard, even flipped over to left guard for a couple series, backing up Connor McGovern.
Play of the day
During an 11-on-11 period, as the offense was just outside the red zone, Josh Allen threaded a needle to the front corner of the end zone where wide receiver Trent Sherfield went down low to get it.
It was really the only spot Allen could put it to allow for a completion, and Sherfield did a great job to be in that perfect spot and grab it before going out of bounds.
It was a beautifully thrown ball and great execution on the other end for the touchdown.
Next up:
The team has a day off on Tuesday before returning to St. John Fisher University on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. ET.
The Bills will have their final practice of training camp on Thursday morning before heading back to Orchard Park for the first preseason game, and staying there for the rest of the preseason.
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