Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Answering the very first question of his pre-practice press conference ahead of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady gave the two words every fan loves to hear:
“Everybody’s here.”
As opposed to the first two months of offseason workouts, players have to show up to this week’s sessions or they are subjected to fines.
And everyone did.
However, not everyone was participating due to some injuries.
Linebacker Dorian Williams, who had not been seen at any of the organized team activities (OTAs), was spotted using crutches. That would imply a new injury for Williams and not the neck injury he suffered on the opening kickoff of the Bills’ AFC Divisional Round playoff loss to the Denver Broncos.
Tackle Spencer Brown, wide receiver Skyler Bell, and safety Cole Bishop were all present, but not participating in any football activities. However, Bell was catching passes from the jugs machine for quite a while after practice had ended.
A couple notable players returned to the field as well, including offensive tackle Dion Dawkins - had not participated at all during OTAs - and wide receiver Joshua Palmer - was working on the sideline with trainers during the media-available practices over the last three weeks.
A really encouraging sign was seeing edge rusher Michael Hoecht participating in individual drills. Hoecht, who tore his Achilles back on Nov. 5, had only been working with trainers up to this point.
Wide receiver Tyrell Shavers, who tore his ACL in the January Wild Card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, was still not participating in any football activities.
Neither was cornerback Dorian Strong, who is still dealing with a neck injury that ended his rookie season early.
The team will be back on the field for another practice on Wednesday starting at 2:15 p.m.
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