After their first day off, the Bills returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon -- that is, while they were able to.
Buffalo was forced to end its on-field work early due to a thunderstorm in Pittsford, N.Y. The team moved inside to a nearby gym for the final half hour of practice and finished the session with a walk-through.
“At least we’ve got something that we can go in and get the last 30 snaps and get a feel for it, get a communication level,” coach Chan Gailey said. “(When you move inside), that’s about what it’ s for -- communication only.”
What stood out: Wide receiver Derek Hagan had a few nice catches downfield in the session; Hagan is one of several players competing for the open No. 2 receiver role. ... Safety Da’Norris Searcy had an interception in 7-on-7 work on a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass that sailed in the air over tight end Scott Chandler. Fitzpatrick has had a strong camp so far, but Tuesday was not one of his better days. ... Second-year corner Aaron Williams had a strong pass breakup against T.J. Graham down the right sideline. After a difficult first week for Williams, it was a step in the right direction. ... Kicker John Potter nailed a 59-yard attempt through the uprights during special teams work. Rian Lindell is safe as the team’s placekicker, but Potter has a legitimate chance to make the team as a kickoff specialist due to his strong leg. ... The prettiest play of the day was a deep ball from Brad Smith to David Clowney down the right sideline. Clowney has deep speed but is a longshot to make the roster.
Position battles: The Bills continue to rotate players at left tackle and right defensive end. On Tuesday, Chris Hairston lined up with the first unit at left tackle and Cordy Glenn worked with the second team. Asked for his early thoughts on the battle, Gailey wasn’t exactly optimistic. "Too early," he said. "I do not know how that one is going to end. I do not even have an inkling, I really do not. We have some work to do.” Both players have struggled at times. Chris Kelsay worked with the starters at right defensive end Tuesday. As for the backup quarterback battle between Vince Young and Tyler Thigpen, Gailey said: “They both have not done anything to distance themselves from the other. Neither one of them has done anything; they both (have done) some things good one day and some things that are bad one day. We just have to keep letting them play.”
Injury updates: Center Eric Wood (knee) received a handful of team reps for the first time at camp; the Bills continue to work him back slowly into the lineup. Right tackle Erik Pears (groin) returned but only did individual work. Cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) was limited. Wide receiver David Nelson (knee), cornerback Justin Rogers (hamstring), running back Johnny White (undisclosed) and safety Josh Nesbitt (undisclosed) did not participate. Running back Chris Douglas left practice with what appeared to be a leg injury after taking a full tackle from safety Delano Howell.
What’s next: Buffalo returns to the practice field with an evening session at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
For more updates, follow Bills correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBUF and @MarkLud12.
