1. Devin Singletary preps for an increased role as a rookie running back
Devin Singletary changed his number from 40 to 26 but that's not the only change he'll make for the Bills. Singletary can expect to see a good amount of work now that LeSean McCoy is with the Kansas City Chiefs.
After the draft, Singletary entered into a crowded running back room with Frank Gore, McCoy and T.J. Yeldon and now finds himself as the guy who could lead the Bills in rushing yards this season.
"I didn't know what to expect," Singletary said. "I just knew I was going to come in and work hard. I knew I had vets in front of me, so I knew I was going to be a sponge."
Head coach Sean McDermott praised the rookie on Monday and feels Singletary could be someone they can develop.
"It's preseason so we have to take that with a little bit of a grain of salt," McDermott said. "But it's a projection, showing our confidence in a young player we feel can ascend and develop. That's what we do as coaches."
For Singletary, the confidence that the coaches have in him means everything. Singletary said the sky is the limit for his game but his role has not been decided yet.
Buffalo will feature a rotation of Singletary, Gore and Yeldon out of the backfield this season. The committee approach is a change from last season but one McDermott feels can work.
"We feel confident the guys we have will be able to execute what we're trying to do," McDermott said.
2. Lorenzo Alexander has advice for cut players
The Bills locker room is a lot quieter than last week. Buffalo has cut down to its 53-man roster and 11-player practice squad. Lorenzo Alexander offered up advice for the players who were released.
"The biggest thing that I've always told guys is to not allow this one moment to really define you as a football player or discourage you as person," Alexander said. "Look for the opportunities that you have in life, like going back to school, or whatever it may be but look on the positive side versus dwelling on the negative."
Alexander knows the feeling of being cut by a team. In fact, it's happened to him multiple times. It's also how he eventually wound up in Buffalo the past three seasons and enjoy the most success in his professional career.
"I think it depends on where you're at in your career," Alexander said. "I mean, I think a lot of guys oftentimes have been the stars most of the time so it can actually be very humbling. For some guys it can be discouraging. It just depends on where you're at."
The locker next to Alexander is now empty but his work with the NFLPA has allowed him to educate the players around him about the business of the NFL, Alexander says.
3. LeSean McCoy thanks Buffalo
LeSean McCoy spent the past four years of his career in Buffalo. In his time here, McCoy was a three-time Pro Bowler, ran for 3,814 yards, 25 touchdowns and had 1,334 yards receiving.
McCoy never thought he would end up in Buffalo, but thanked the organization for his time here.
"I never expected to fall in love with the city and the amazing fans. However, that is exactly what happened," McCoy wrote on his Instagram page.
The entire post reads:
If there is anything that my 11 years in the league has taught me it is to always expect the unexpected. I never expected to become a Buffalo Bill and I never expected to fall in love with the city and the amazing fans. However, that is exactly what happened. I would like to thank the entire Buffalo Bills organization, Terry and Kim Pegula, Coach McDermott, Brandon Beane, Doug Whaley, Anthony Lynn and Rex Ryan. It has been my pleasure and honor to take the field and represent the proud Buffalo franchise. We shared some great moments together and you guys will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you to all my teammates that went to battle with me each and every week. I am going to miss the amazing atmosphere and wonderful #billsmafiafans the most! With that being said, I am excited and overjoyed to be continuing my career in Kansas City! The chase continues...
