By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Bills hit the practice field in Orchard Park on Sunday, one last time before they ship off to Carolina ahead of some joint practices with the Panthers. The two teams will also square off in a preseason contest last next week.
But as Buffalo readies to ship down the coast, there were plenty of new faces on the practice field. First, players such as Micah Hyde and Jason Croom (limited) retured to practice, while Dawson Knox also did some complex working out on the sideline, a good sign for him.
Plus, the Bills signed a few new players this weekend, highlighted by cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. In a cooresponding move, EJ Gaines was moved to the IR.
With that, here are three more takeaways from Sunday’s practices:
McKenzie movin’ on up
The Bills got a big outing from one depth wide receiver during Thursday’s preseason opener in Isaiah McKenzie. Not only did he lead the Bills in reecing yards in that game, he also had a masterful cut on a punt return, splitting two defenders, which gave him a gain of 15.
During Sunday’s practice, McKenzie was reported to be taking reps with the first-team offense, along with Cole Beasley and John Brown, at times, by ESPN. During his output in the Colts game, McKenzie was working with the second-team offense, which is an indication that Sean McDermott & Co. are liking what they’re seeing from him since he was with the starters on Sunday. While running with the ones, NYUP reports three catches on three targets for McKenzie during team drills. That’ll help his stock.
Zay Jones, Robert Foster, and Andre Roberts also reported saw playing time with the first-team offense on Sunday.
Is Tommy Sweeney a lock?
The Bills have a huge lack of depth at tight end right now. Tyler Kroft is still out and Knox and Croom are just getting back. It was once thought that Knox would have a chance to take over a starting spot because of Kroft’s injury, but instead, has another rookie tight end?
Tommy Sweeney was Buffalo’s seventh-round pick. Those guys are far from locks. But Sweeney is proving himself to be a capable target, even making a few plays while running with the first-team offense. During red zone work on Sunday, quarterback Josh Allen displayed that he trusts Sweeney, as the two connected on two red zone touchdowns per ESPN. Those are huge for his stock on the team’s roster as final cut day slowly approaches.
Another UB boy
Everyone likes a Buffalo tie. University at Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson was that guy, but he’s probably been replaced. Jackson’s played OK, but cornerback Cam Lewis is a name to watch. Lewis was also an undrafted rookie free agent singing from for the Bills this offseason and most overlooked him.
As of late due to injuries, Lewis has stepped up into a role playing on the second-team defense. The signing of Munnerlyn might’ve put a damper on things, but Lewis has showed he’s here to play. He turned some heads on Sunday when he reportedly intercepted quarterback Matt Barkley in practice.