PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- A daily review of the hot topics coming out of Buffalo Bills training camp:
Marcell Dareus' hamstring injury didn't appear to be anything major -- he stayed on the field and watched the remainder of practice -- but it's something that bears watching. The strength of the Bills defense is with its line, and any absence from Dareus, Kyle Williams, or Mario Williams would impact the rest of the unit. For now it looks like a minor issue, though.
Coming off his less than ideal performance Tuesday night, EJ Manuel looked better at points in Wednesday's practice. He rolled out and hit Robert Woods along the sideline early in the first 11-on-11 period. He also lofted a good pass down the right sideline later in practice but Mike Williams couldn't haul it in -- although cornerback Michael Carter might have gotten a hand on the ball. Otherwise, Manuel's passes were relegated to short-range throws.
The Bills offense was all over the map in red zone work. On the plus side, Manuel hit Mike Williams for a touchdown in 7-on-7 and lofted two well-thrown passes to Sammy Watkins and Scott Chandler that were either dropped or broken up. Jeff Tuel followed with a touchdowns to Lee Smith and Chris Gragg, as well as a beautiful one-handed grab by Woods in the end zone. On the negative end, Manuel badly overthrew Williams on a broken play where Williams was open in the end zone. On the next play, Manuel scrambled in the backfield and tried forcing a ball into coverage. He was intercepted by first-year safety Jajuan Harley.
Linebacker Brandon Spikes seemed to be dealing with a groin issue during 11-on-11 work. He reached for that area several times when he was on the field and was examined on the ground by trainers when he came off the field. Spikes returned to action but didn't appear 100 percent. Safeties Derek Brim and Kenny Ladler both spent time on exercise bikes during team drills, while safety Jonathan Meeks dealt with a neck injury.
Tight end Tony Moeaki (hamstring) and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (hamstring) didn't take part in team drills. That could put their status for Friday's game in doubt.
Cornerback Leodis McKelvin wasn't in pads or a helmet for the the second straight day after beginning camp practicing with his teammates for at least a portion of practice. Asked if McKelvin had suffered a setback in his recovery from hip surgery, coach Doug Marrone said the team was simply following their plan with McKelvin.
