Demetrius Bell was one of the Bills offensive linemen whose season was cut short by injury in 2009. All told five of Buffalo's linemen were on injured reserve come season's end with the second-year tackle among the wounded.
Bell missed the last seven games of the season after suffering a knee injury in Week 10 at Tennessee that required surgery. Now approximately two months removed from the scope procedure, the offensive tackle is in much better shape.
"Rehab is going well," Bell told Buffalobills.com. "I'm in Louisiana for a week and a half. I went to the doctor and came home before I was (medically) cleared. But he said he was real pleased with everything in terms of my progress."
The former seventh-round pick is preparing to enter his third NFL season, but he'll do so under a new coaching staff. After having the starting left tackle job thrust upon him with a week before the season opener, Bell is not sure what his role will be in 2010, but he does know that he's suddenly part of a very thin group of offensive tackles.
With Jonathan Scott a restricted free agent and Brad Butler's recent retirement, he along with veteran Kirk Chambers, Jamon Meredith and Andre Ramsey are the only tackles with game experience on the roster.
Bell however, is resolute in his belief that they'll be able to pull it all together after speaking with Bills new offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris.
"I think with the coach we got, coach Joe, I think he'll get the combinations up front that he needs and we'll get the job done," said Bell. "I was talking to him the other day on the phone. He already has in mind what he wants and what he needs."
As far as when Bell will be ready for action on the field, he called it a "wait and see" situation, but he's confident he'll be ready when it counts. For now, Bell is focused on getting a clean bill of health sooner rather than later.
"I just have to keep rehab going and keep progressing," he said.
