PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Three days after Buffalo Bills receiver Robert Woods didn't play with the first-team offense in a preseason loss to the New York Giants -- a decision that surprised quarterback EJ Manuel -- Woods and coach Doug Marrone had a one-on-one chat Wednesday morning.
Following the team's morning walk-through, Marrone pulled Woods aside and discussed the issue of his playing time and role in the offense.
"We know Robert can play three positions for us. We're just trying to figure out what's the best combination that we have out there," Marrone said. "When Robert first came to camp, he didn't do that. Not to say he was complacent or not, but I told Robert today, when he plays with that little chip on his shoulder, he's a darn good football player.
"I said, we need to see you play more with a chip on your shoulder every single day, and I think you'll see that same result as you saw in the game and today."
Woods had arguably his best practice in over a week, kicking off one-on-one passing routes with an impressive catch down the sideline and later adding a one-handed touchdown grab in 7-on-7 red zone drills.
However, Woods continued to split his reps between the first- and second-team offenses, as the Bills continued to use Sammy Watkins, Mike Williams, and sometimes Chris Hogan as their top combination.
Those three receivers were on the field with Manuel against the Giants, while Woods played into the third quarter. That sparked attention around Woods' role in the offense.