Glenn, Miller, Tolbert out for SundayThe Bills will be without three players they did not have at their disposal last week. OT Cordy Glenn, G John Miller and FB Mike Tolbert have all be declared out for Sunday's game in Kansas City.
Glenn and Miller were unable to practice at all this week. This is the third straight start that Buffalo's starting left tackle will miss since his foot and ankle problem returned following the Thursday night game against the Jets. Glenn has made five starts this season. Rookie Dion Dawkins is expected to spell Glenn again Sunday at left tackle now that he's recovered from an illness that kept him out of Wednesday's practice.
Head coach Sean McDermott was asked if he and GM Brandon Beane have discussed placing Glenn on injured reserve, since his progress in returning from the injury appears to have leveled off.
"Brandon and I always talk about everything," McDermott said. "In this case no different."
Meanwhile John Miller, who injured his ankle in practice last week, has not practiced at all this week.
Fullback Mike Tolbert looked like he had a chance to return from his hamstring injury, but after practicing on a limited basis on Wednesday he was unable to go on Thursday.
Benjamin still day to dayKelvin Benjamin hasn't practiced this week either, but head coach Sean McDermott is holding out hope that the size receiver can recover from his knee injury in time to suit up on Sunday.
"We're going to continue to evaluate him. He is still day to day," McDermott said. "I don't think he's going to practice at this point, but I'll get an update on that after this."
Benjamin was injured in the first quarter of last week's game against the Chargers and did not return to the game. McDermott said earlier in the week there was no ligament damage.
Trying to revive takeaway totalBuffalo's defense looked like experts at forcing turnovers earlier this season. Lately, it's proven difficult for the Bills to grab a takeaway. After rolling up 17 takeaways in the first seven games this season, the Bills have just one in their last three games, a fumble recovery by Kyle Williams against New Orleans.
Buffalo's coaching staff emphasizes forcing turnovers every week in practice, and that approach hasn't changed.
"Just daily work. Just like everything else we're going to continue to work, continue to build and earn the right. It's an emphasis and we'll continue to emphasize it," said McDermott. "They come in clumps. That's how they go sometimes takeaways. That's all part of it. I'm sure this isn't the first time this has happened. Those are critical. Turnover differential is a big part of winning. That's a critical stat."
McDermott says that pass pressure always helps to create uncomfortable situations that can often lead to turnovers. Buffalo's pass rush hasn't been overly effective of late. After 13 sacks in their first six games this season, the Bills have just two in their last four games.
