Buffalo Bills News: Stevie Johnson, Scott Chandler
Buffalo Bills star wide receiver Stevie Johnson won’t be able to play in tomorrow’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, but his hamstring is getting better these days. It remains to be seen if Johnson can make his preseason debut in Week 3, but the most important thing for the Bills outspoken wideout is health. Johnson has some talented rookies around him with Robert Woods being the most notable of them, and he is set to get some big mis-matches as a slot receiver in three-wide sets (he’ll be the “X” in two-wide sets with either Woods or T.J. Graham opposite of him).
Buffalo Bills wide receiver (13) Stevie Johnson against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bills defeated the Cardinals 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson was able to practice on a limited basis yesterday, and both he and fellow wide receiver Brad Smith returned to practice yesterday and are both suffering from hamstring ailments. There is a chance Smith plays tomorrow, but Johnson’s earlier preseason game will have to be in Week 3. Kevin Kolb is getting the preseason start tomorrow after missing Week 1, but he won’t have Johnson to help him out at points in the first-half.
Tight end Scott Chandleris such a hard worker, and he’s the kind of tight end you have to root for. The New England Patriots were victimized a couple of times last season in the red zone by Chandler, who does an excellent job of snatching up touchdowns. Chandler has done a great job thus far in his recovery from an ACL tear, and his recovery has been so successful that he is expected to play tomorrow against the Vikings.
According to the Bills official site, Doug Marrone will give Scott Chandler a “pitch count” (which is obvious), but what is notable is the fact that he will even play against the Vikes. This is a huge step in what has been a fast recovery from an ACL tear, and it just speaks volumes to Chandler’s determination. It’s one thing for an athletic player to come back quickly from a devastating knee injury, but it is another thing for a less nimble player like Chandler to do so. I hope he does well tomorrow and continues to have a great recovery.