The Bills picked up where they left off at training camp on the grass field at One Bills Drive Thursday as they get prepared for their third preseason contest against the Packers in Green Bay. Head coach Dick Jauron laid out the projected playing time for the starters on Saturday night.
"I would say certainly more than a quarter depending on how the game goes," said Jauron. "You just can't predict how a football game will go, but certainly through the first quarter and maybe a little bit beyond."
Bills second-round pick Jairus Byrd is excited about the possibility of seeing his first game action, but at this point it's just a possibility. The free safety hasn't received word from the coaching staff as to whether he'll dress for Saturday's game.
"I'm real excited. I can't wait to actually get out there and just hit again and play football again, play all out again," said Byrd. "But the decision is with the coaches and whatever they decide I'll be fine with."
HighlightsAmong some of the more notable plays in practice Thursday, tight end Derek Schouman made a high-reaching grab on a throw over the middle from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Justin Jenkins caught a touchdown pass during red zone work on a quick slant.
Felton Huggins made a 20-yard catch after finding an open spot in the secondary.
Lee Evans caught a quick hitter in the flat from Trent Edwards and headed up field for extra yardage.
Steve Johnson pulled in a 20-yard pass from Fitzpatrick along the near sideline to set up a 1st-and-goal situation.
Roscoe Parrish got good separation on a deep crossing route to get first down yardage and more on a throw from Trent Edwards.
Shawn Nelson also had a 20-yard pickup on a pass from Gibran Hamdan.
Defensively, the defensive line was credited with a sack on a blitz call during 11-on-11.
Ashton Youboty got inside his blocker on a run play to post a tackle for loss on Dominic Rhodes.
Ko Simpson had a forced fumble stripping Steve Johnson of the ball down the near sideline.
Jairus Byrd made his first interception of the preseason as he got to the sideline to make a leaping interception on a throw by Hamdan.
Bryan Scott and Donte Whitner also had tackles for loss in run game work.
And John McCargo had a batted pass at the line of scrimmage.
Denney okay
Ryan Denney limped off the practice field at the end of one of the 11-on-11 series and eventually headed to the locker room before practice was over.
"He got kicked in the shin, so hopefully he should be fine, but that hurts," said Jauron.
Denney said he would be alright.
Not participating
Players who did not participate in Thursday's practice were Drayton Florence, Travis McCall, Pat Thomas, Ashlee Palmer, Terrell Owens and Marcus Smith.
Practice Friday
The Bills have a closed practice Friday before traveling to Green Bay in the afternoon. Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 8pm. The game will air live in Buffalo on WKBW-TV and on the radio on 97 Rock, with pre-game coverage beginning at 6:30pm.
