1 – Running backs thinned by injuryRunning back is a punishing position to play, and though Buffalo's stable of backs is considered deep, that depth will be tested in the coming days. That's because Boobie Dixon could be out at least two weeks with a pulled calf muscle suffered on Monday.
"Sometimes those things can last a while. For him that could be a severe thing," said head coach Rex Ryan. "Sometimes a guy can be out three, four weeks at least. It seemed like it was pretty substantial. So I'm not sure we're going to get Boobie back for at least the next couple of weeks."
The Bills offense has also been without LeSean McCoy each of the last two practices during the team segments due to a sore and swollen toe. Though not considered serious the team is taking a cautious approach with their feature back.
"It's not turf toe, but he's got a soreness, swelling type thing," Ryan said of McCoy. "It's not something that's going to really hamper him in the near future, but it'll be good to get him some more team reps (soon)."
That leaves the running back load to Fred Jackson, Bryce Brown and Karlos Williams. Jackson and Brown split time with the starting offense while Williams got a ton of work with the second unit.
"I got a ton of work, but they were great reps though," Karlos Williams told Buffalobills.com. "Great day for me. The more reps a young back can get the better feel he can have for the game."
2 – National attentionThe national media has been paying a bit more attention to the Bills during a busy offseason. That attention was evident Wednesday at training camp when ESPN rolled in to shoot their First Take show on site at the St. John Fisher campus during the morning practice session.
Bills head coach Rex Ryan and Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly were among those who were interviewed on their set, which overlooked the team's grass practice field.
Sabres captain, Rochester native, and Bills fan Brian Gionta was also on hand to watch practice Wednesday.
3 – Long distance connectionThere weren't a lot of big plays turned in by the offense on Wednesday, but a familiar face got behind the defense for a long touchdown. WR Marquise Goodwin had the big play of the day as he outran the corner and safety on a deep post route and Tyrod Taylor hit him in stride for a 60-yard touchdown.
Bonus notes: OT Cyrus Kouandjioand DE Jarius Wynnboth sustained knee injuries in practice Wednesday. Kouandjio left early during individual position drills. Wynn exited not long after team work began.
"We had a couple of injuries. We don't know how severe," said Ryan. "We don't think it's too serious with Kouandjio with the knee and then Jarius Wynn with a knee also, but at this point you want to be cautious and make sure that everybody is healthy."
OT Seantrel Hendersonstepped in for Kouandjio with the first unit, while undrafted rookie OT Tyson Chandlerwas at right tackle with the second team. Wynn was replaced by undrafted rookie DE Cedric Reed at LDE with the second unit.*Canisius productTE Chris Manhertz* was activated off the PUP list and began practicing Wednesday. He caught a difficult pass in 11-on-11 despite tight coverage.
CB Mario Butlerposted his first interception of camp as he and intended receiver Percy Harvin bumped just before the ball arrived leaving Butler in perfect position to make the play.
