ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Prepare like a starter, play like a starter.
That’s the mindset linebacker Baylon Spector is embracing with the Bills.
“Get the reps in the film room,” Spector said. “Those are your reps, those have got to be your reps and then just continue to watch the tape. Learn on the field and if you do get a rep out there, be in the moment like you're the starter. Taking ownership of the downs situation whatever it might be, if it's individual, if it's special teams, just not taking it lightly. Treating it like a game rep and then going out there and playing.”
Injuries have already been a big factor, plaguing the Bills linebacker room early this season. Linebacker Matt Milano is out indefinitely with a bicep injury while Terrel Bernard left the team’s week two matchup in Miami with a pectoral strain.
Therefore, Spector is the next man up on the depth chart. The former seventh-round draft pick is now in line for his first regular-season start on Monday night.
“You envision it,” Spector said. “You set goals and then when they come you're super grateful for it. Then you just gotta be in the moment. Be thankful, be grateful for it, and continue to go about your process, not make it too big, not make it too small, but treat it like you have been. Go about your business throughout the week and then when they put the ball out there, play football.”
Spector will be ready for that opportunity in primetime against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Highmark Stadium.