Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - 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.
According to our sister station, WBEN News Radio 930, 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.
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.
