The Bills survived a thriller over the Colts last Thursday at New Era Field with a 24-16 win! They managed to play well & avoid major injury which is always ideal in the preseason. Entering Week 2 of the preseason, health concerns of several players still exist. Today’s post will identify those who are questionable & likely out.
Ruled out:
C Mitch Morse: concussion
Morse is still dealing with the after-effects of a concussion diagnosed over 2 weeks ago. He has since progressed to return to full practice with a red non-contact jersey. He has been able to take snaps, run full speed, and do nearly everything except full contact. He will not play Friday due to the obvious concerns of suffering another head injury. He still requires the reps & practice with the first-team offense to be ready for the regular season. His time in the preseason will come, but likely in the 3rd game.
RB Frank Gore: veteran rest
Gore played in the preseason opener with a strong, but brief outing & avoided injury. He has nothing left to prove to the Bills until the regular season. It was already announced that he would sit out so that RB LeSean McCoy starts. This will allow Devin Singletary, TJ Yeldon, and others to make their case on the final roster.
TE Dawson Knox: hamstring
Knox continues to work back from his hamstring injury sustained early in camp. Many reports state that Knox is performing rehab, but not cleared to don a non-contact jersey. This is due to avoiding coming back too soon and re-injuring. While he is a lock to make the team, his development has been severely stunted. Hopes are that he gets on the field for the last 2 games to catch up.
OL Conor McDermott: concussion
Like Morse, McDermott is in the concussion protocol following a hit on Thursday night. He currently wears a red non-contact jersey signifying that he is rapidly improving. Yet, it may not be wise to expose him to live football this week to ensure his long term health. As he is fighting for a roster spot, he may be best to fight another day.
Questionable:
C Russell Bodine: oblique strain
Bodine suffered an oblique strain during last weeks preseason win. He has since worn a non-contact jersey during the two practices in South Carolina. For his health, he may be best suited to sit out this game. Considering he has to fight for a roster spot behind Morse, Long, Feliciano, and even Bates, he may try to play through the injury.
TE Jason Croom: hamstring
Croom, like Knox, has been battling to get back on the field to show why he needs to make the roster. He appears to be near 100% but is truly questionable whether he plays Friday. This will likely be a player decision to play. I don’t expect that he will re-injure the hamstring again, but there is always a possibility.
C/G Spencer Long: knee
Cover 1’s Greg Tompsett observed Long as a full participant in practice this past week. Yet, Tompsett noted that Long continues to don a brace and a wrap on the right leg indicating there is still an issue. Considering the hinge bracing, this still supports that he tweaked his MCL. While this is not 100%, this could keep Long out of the 2nd game to ensure his versatility at both positions.
There will be other likely starters that will sit out, but not due to injury. Considering the joint practices this past week with the Panthers, I expect more situational football played than all-out war. This should keep the number of injuries down but allow borderline players to showcase their abilities.
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