McCoy participates in practice, Ryan still optimistic

– As the Ronald Darby rookie roller coaster continues at cornerback, many are patiently waiting for veteran Leodis McKelvin to rehabilitate his ankle injury quickly, and to get back on the field before opposing teams really take advantage of the rookie. The Bills don’t return to practice until Tuesday. His normal outfit through August was at first nothing on his right ankle, and then a walking boot, but he was never allowed to put any weight on the injury, and instead pushed himself around on a scooter. Scooter nowhere in sight. He has been given no indication what a good performance will do for him, so his plan is to just go out and play and let the chips fall where they may. Like McCoy, Williams, who is recovering after being hospitalized last month with an undisclosed illness, only did individual drills. The same can be said of both Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin, too.

This is the 24th of 32 National Football League capsules in 32 days leading up to the regular season opener September 10.

Coach Rex Ryan would only reiterate that he remains cautiously optimistic McCoy will be ready to play.

Earlier this week, Ryan cast some doubt on whether McCoy would be able to play, saying, “Well, we certainly expect him to go, I hope”, adding the Bills would rely on the “next man” if he can’t play.

Simms played late in the fourth quarter of Buffalo’s 43-19 victory over Pittsburgh, and he completed all five of his passes for 65 yards and a 14-yard touchdown to Chris Gragg. All showed signs in three preseason games that they were capable of being the No. 1 guy, Naturally Rex took the road less traveled by going with Taylor, who sat behind Joe Flacco in Baltimore. Henderson was the last piece to the puzzle, and now the starting offensive line is set.

As the Buffalo Bills wrapped up their preseason, Buffalo’s kicker Dan Carpenter missed yet another field goal. “But to say that I’m just gonna” turn a blind eye to the fact that we missed four kicks, that’s not me”. That’s concerning, because he missed a lot of camp. “So you never say, “Hey this is the roster that is made” because there are always some guys that will step up and will earn a roster spot in this last game”.