ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills hit the practice field Wednesday at One Bills Drive ahead of their Monday night matchup against their AFC East rival New York Jets. Here are some notables from practice and the team's media availabilities:
Key pieces on offense miss practice
While there is no official injury report from the team until Thursday, coach Sean McDermott did provide some updates in his Wednesday news conference. Khalil Shakir remained out of practice with the ankle injury that forced him to miss Sunday's loss in Houston.
Joining him in being sidelined from practice were wide receiver Curtis Samuel and running back James Cook. Both are dealing with foot/toe injuries, according to McDermott, and were seen doing side work on the bike during the portion of practice open to the media.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins was not among the injuries mentioned pre-practice by McDermott, but he was going through practice in a red, non-contact jersey.
Rapp clears concussion protocol
Defensively, the Bills received positive injury news with safety Taylor Rapp clearing concussion protocol. Rapp was a normal participant in drills in the portion of practice open to the media, but we'll have to wait until Thursday to see if Rapp is considered a full participant by the team.
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver (hamstring) missed Wednesday's practice after not playing Sunday against the Texans. Cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) and defensive tackle Austin Johnson (oblique) were considered limited today, according to McDermott.
Sean McDermott's campfire analogy
With the teams struggles the last two weeks, and the time management blunder at the end of the Texans game, improved communication has been a talking point for Sean McDermott.
The Bills coach had an interesting metaphor Wednesday to explain how the team is looking to get on the same page, and make sure all parts of the team are aligned during the week and on game day.
"The way it is in football, you have different meeting rooms. (Offensive) line, running backs, linebackers, well sometimes what's going on in this campfire over here and it's said one way, may be being said differently in this campfire over here," McDermott said. "So, we need to around the campfire a little bit more together sometimes so that we're all singing the song the right way. That's kind of a weird analogy I guess, but honestly, that's how I see it."
Here is an extended version of the answer: