Taylor's status up in the air for SundayStarting quarterback Tyrod Taylor is not a lock to play in the team's season opener Sunday against the New York Jets. According to head coach Sean McDermott, Taylor is still making his way through the concussion protocol.
"I think he's getting better, but he's still in the concussion protocol," said McDermott.
It should be noted that a player in the concussion protocol can still practice as part of the Return-to-Participation process.
League guidelines state that a player may be considered to return to practice only after the player has returned to baseline status with rest and exertion, has repeat neurophysiological testing, which is interpreted by the team neuropsychology consultant as back to baseline levels of functioning, and has completed the Return to Participation protocol. He also must be cleared by the Team Physician and the Independent Neurological Consultant.
With it being so early in the week, McDermott has not set a drop dead date to turn to backup QB Nate Peterman as the starter for this week's game.
"With any starter it gets to the point in the week where you have to say, 'Hey we're going to have to go one way or another,'" McDermott said. "We'll cross that road when we come to it."
Third-string QB T.J. Yates is also still in the concussion protocol, which is what prompted the signing of QB Joe Webb.
John Miller to start at right guard; Gaines at RCBThe door isn't completely closed on the right guard competition, but going into Week 1, John Miller is the starter beating out veteran Vladimir Ducasse.
"The competition between John and Vlad has been fun to watch," said McDermott. "In that regard in terms of watching both of them put their best foot forward. Those guys are going to continue to battle, but John (Miller) will start at right guard."
Jordan Mills was officially named the starter at right tackle, so provided Cordy Glenn is good to start and play on Sunday at left tackle, Buffalo's offensive line will be the same starting five from last season.
Meanwhile on the defensive side of the ball, E.J. Gaines is sitting atop the depth chart at right cornerback.
"We'll take a look at that today with E.J. at this point having the upper hand," said McDermott.
Shareece Wright and Greg Mabin were mentioned as Gaines' top competitors. Buffalo's head coach also said that Gaines is capable of playing in the slot, where the Bills do need a backup for nickel corner Leonard Johnson following the trade of Kevon Seymour.
Lorenzo has another position responsibilityLorenzo Alexander is the team's starting strong side linebacker, but he'll have another important role in a backup capacity. The veteran will also be Preston Brown's backup at middle linebacker.
"You look at what Lorenzo has done. He's played multiple positions and showed us he can handle that," said McDermott. "Lorenzo at this point would be the guy to step in. We have all the confidence in the world in Lorenzo. He's shown us in a short amount of time that he can move around. He's played on the defensive line, the offensive line. If anybody can do it, Lorenzo can. He'd be the one at this point."
Alexander is also expected to be utilized as a subpackage pass rusher.
