Oliver lines up with starters; Ford at guard

Pittsford, NY (WGR550) - The Buffalo Bills' top-two picks from this past April's draft were the stories of Sunday's practice.

That, and more, in my notes and observations from the third-to-last practice from St. John Fisher College:

Participation:

Guards Jon Feliciano (shoulder) and Spencer Long (knee) were out, along with center Mitch Morse (concussion protocol), and tight ends Jason Croom (hamstring) and Dawson Knox (hamstring). 

Safety Micah Hyde (neck) was limited.

Oliver and Neal on first-team defense:

After an impressive week of camp, including the practice Friday night at New Era Field, rookie Ed Oliver, the team's top pick at ninth overall, was on the starting defense, lining up next to Star Lotulelei. Jordan Phillips, who had been the first-team defensive tackle up until Sunday, was playing with the second unit.

Also playing with the starters was second-year safety Siran Neal, who is really now in the "big nickel" linebacker role. Veteran Maurice Alexander had been in that spot for most of camp, but Neal git his first shot with the starters Sunday.

Ford at guard:

With both Feliciano and Long out, second round pick Cody Ford was the starting right guard, with Ty Nsekhe at right tackle. Russell Bodine was the starting center, with Quinton Spain at left guard and Dion Dawkins at left tackle.

Ford played mostly guard at Oklahoma before being moved to tackle in his final season. He has the position flexibility that will allow him to play both spots in the NFL. Here's what he had to say after practice about playing guard for the first time in camp: "Wherever they tell me I'm playing that day for practice, that's where I'll play. I don't ask questions. I just do what I'm told. Really just out here trying to help the team win. If they say guard they say guard if they say tackle, they say tackle."

Waddle carted off:

The already thin offensive line suffered another injury when tackle LaAdrian Waddle was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury. No word yet on how severe it is. Waddle has been a regular second-team swing tackle, lining up on both the right and left sides.

Gaines banged up:

Cornerback E.J. Gaines was seen walking off the field and into a tent with a trainer after he appeared to get up slowly after a play in the 1-on-1 wide receiver vs. defensive back drill early on. He did not return to practice.

Sweeney making the most of his chance:

The tight end position has been tough for the Bills so far this camp and really since OTAs. Tyler Kroft, Jason Croom, and Dawson Knox are all injured, with Kroft currently on the physically unable to perform list. But rookie Tommy Sweeney has really taken advantage of his extra reps. The seventh round pick out of Boston College has looked good with the opportunities he's been given and seems to be getting even better every day. He has very good hands as a pass-catcher.

Gassers:

The Bills, as a team, ran "gassers" at the end of practice. Every player lined up on one sideline and ran to the other sideline and back before getting a break and repeating that several times. I haven't really seen that much before under head coach Sean McDermott. Some assistant coaches were also running with the players.

Practice Video:

Here's 30-seconds of OL boards. #BillsCamp pic.twitter.com/rRDqysTMd2

A little RB footwork with ball security drill. The orange balls are heavier than regular footballs. pic.twitter.com/7huuWlFxyq

Pegula's big day:

While their NFL team was practicing in Rochester, Bills' owners Terry and Kim Pegula's daughter Jessie won the WTA's Citi Open in Washington, D.C. It was her first career WTA single's title.

Up next:

The Bills will have another practice on Monday morning at 9:45 a.m. It will be closed to the general public, but media will be allowed to watch and report. Their next practice available to fans will be Tuesday morning at 9:45 a.m., which will also be their final practice of 2019 at St. John Fisher College.