The Buffalo Bills began their three-day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday with all hands on deck, including four defensive linemen who had yet to be at One Bills Drive.
Most notably, defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, who opted out of 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns and had not been at any of the team’s voluntary organized team activity sessions up to this point, was back on the field with his teammates in Orchard Park.
Lotulelei’s defensive linemates Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, and Vernon Butler, as well as running back Taiwan Jones - all of whom didn’t show up for any voluntary OTAs - were also all in attendance as the Bills worked out under the bright sun, just outside the ADPRO Spots Training Center for a couple of hours.
Both Lotulelei and Addison looked to be slimmed down a bit. Lotulelei told reporters afterward that he’s a little lighter than his usual in-season playing weight of 307-310 pounds, currently weighing between 300-305.
Tight end Jacob Hollister and running back Matt Breida didn’t take part in the session on the field, but were present. Running back Zack Moss, safety Josh Thomas, and offensive lineman Cody Ford all continued to wear red non-contact jerseys, just as they did for the previous OTAs.
However, wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, who had been in a red jersey for the OTA sessions was on the field and wearing an offensive white jersey, appearing to be a full participant.
There was one injury of note from Tuesday's practice.
Defensive end Bryan Cox, Jr. appeared to sustain some sort of leg injury early-on. He was visibly upset, as trainers tended to him while he sat on the ground. Both head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane walked over to check on Cox, who was eventually carted off the field and into the the fieldhouse with his left leg elevated.
Two highlights of the day came from the defensive side of the ball.
First, rookie defensive end Carlos “Boogie” Basham tipped a Josh Allen pass which fell into the arms of cornerback Tre’Davious White, who took the ball back to the end zone. Then, another rookie, cornerback Rachad Wildgoose, picked off quarterback Davis Webb and also returned it for a score.
Other than the tipped pass that was intercepted, Allen was sharp, fitting some well-placed footballs into tight windows to wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Emmanuel Sanders, and Gabriel Davis.
There is no live contact or tackling during these practices.
The Bills are scheduled to be back on the field for two more mandatory minicamps on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
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