Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - After Friday evening’s open practice in front of more than 35,000 fans at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, followed by a day off, the Buffalo Bills got back to work Sunday as they began their final week of training camp practices at St. John Fisher University.
The big news of the day on the field was the return of offensive guard Rodger Saffold, who was activated from the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, where he had been since camp started after injuring his ribs in a car accident.
Saffold dressed and participated in individual position work, but didn’t take any reps against the defense in 1-on-1 or team drills.
While Saffold returned, center Mitch Morse was held out for a veteran rest day.
Wide receivers Isaiah McKenzie and Khalil Shakir, as well as cornerback Taron Johnson also didn’t practice due to soreness, but receiver Tavon Austin returned after missing Friday’s session.
Rich Barnes - USA TODAY Sports
Gilliam on and off the field
Prior to practice, the Bills also announced that fullback Reggie Gilliam signed a two-year contract extension locking him up through the 2024 season.
The versatile Gilliam promptly went out and had a very good day catching the ball and making plays for the offense.
Rich Barnes - USA TODAY Sports
Crowder, Sweeney impress
Other offensive highlights came from wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who missed most of the first week of practice but now seems to be picking up steam and getting plenty of opportunities and making the most of them, albeit with Shakir and McKenzie out on Sunday.
Tight end Tommy Sweeney also had a solid showing on Sunday, making several catches early-on, including a couple that were tightly contested.
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Air Jordan
The most notable play of the day from the defensive side came from cornerback Jordan Miller, who picked off quarterback Matt Barkley during 11-on-11 work.
Defensive back Siran Neal continued to impress in coverage, especially in 1-on-1 drills.
One Buffalo
Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Don Granato were also in attendance on Sunday, and could often be seen chatting with owner Terry Pegula and other members of the front office.
Shawn Dowd - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle via USA TODAY Sports
Another day, another dust-up
If there’s one thing this camp has been noted for it’s the amount of scraps, and even fights that have occurred.
There was another on Sunday when linebacker Tyrel Dodson got into it with offensive lineman David Quessenberry. Dodson’s helmet actually came off during the scrum, but the two players separated rather quickly and both sides were on to the next play, which has usually been the case in these situations.
Shawn Dowd - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle via USA TODAY Sports
Next up
The team will be back on the field Monday morning at 9:15 a.m. ET at St. John Fisher. The practice is closed to the public.
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