Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - For the first time in three years, the Buffalo Bills returned to St. John Fisher University in Rochester for training camp.
While plenty of attention was paid to quarterback Josh Allen and newcomers like defensive end Von Miller, there was quite a bit of intrigue surrounding safety Jordan Poyer and whether or not he would show up.
That question was answered immediately when Poyer not only joined the rest of his teammates on the field, but was a full participant.
The 2021 First-Team All-Pro has one year remaining on his contract and is seeking a new deal.
Not only was Poyer here, but so was his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. After practice, Poyer told the media that not showing up for camp was never something he considered. In addition, Poyer said that Rosenhaus and Bills general manager Brandon Beane are “talking things out,” as far as his contractual situation.
“I love this city. I love these fans,” Poyer said when asked if he would like to remain in Buffalo for the rest of his career. “I really feel a part of this community. People know my story and what I’ve gone through in order to be sitting in this seat right here. It’s special.”
All 89 players on the team’s roster reported to camp. However, three of them were placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on Sunday, including cornerback Tre’Davious White, who’s still recovering from a torn ACL suffered on Thanksgiving night last season. Also placed on the PUP list includes offensive lineman Ike Boettger - ruptured his Achilles in a late December game against the New England Patriots - and defensive tackle Eli Ankou - strained his calf during conditioning on Friday.
Veteran offensive lineman Rodger Saffold, who the Bills signed as a free agent this offseason, was placed on the Non-Football Injury list (NFI) with rib injuries he suffered while in a recent car accident.
Beane said after practice on Sunday he anticipates Saffold will return sometime before the start of the regular season.
“It’s tough for him to sleep,” Beane said. “We’ll be patient. He’s a pro. He’s a vet.”
The Bills general manager also noted Saffold has already worked with new Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer when they were both in Los Angeles together with the Rams.
Shawn Dowd - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle via USA TODAY Sports
On the field
The team did a lot of offensive versus defense red zone work on the opening day of training camp. During that session, two rookies made standout plays.
First round cornerback Kaiir Elam and third round linebacker Terrel Bernard both forced incompletions in the end zone. For Bernard, he was covering tight and Dawson Knox and did a great job to close on the ball right at the goal line.
Elam had terrific coverage on his wideout towards the back of the end zone, forcing a tight and incomplete throw.
Cornerback Dane Jackson also had a nice pass breakup early-on. However, Jackson was beaten later on a beautiful pass-and-catch from Allen to receiver Gabriel Davis, who went up high to grab it along the back line and then did a toe-tap to keep both feet inbounds for the touchdown.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said last month he’d like to see more splash plays from, did a great job to get his long arms up and bat down a pass.
However, the play of the day came from defensive tackle Tim Settle, who was able to step in front of a short pass from quarterback Case Keenum and return it back about 20 yards. His defensive teammates - and the crowd - loved it, as Settle rumbled down the field.
The Bills will be back on the field Monday for a 9:45 a.m. ET practice.
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