Edwards Unlikely to Suit up for Tomorrow’s Pre-season Finale

Despite the fact that starting quarterback Trent Edwards was back at practice yesterday (he was held out again this morning), he is unlikely to take the field tomorrow night when the Bills wrap up their pre-season, at home against the Lions.  While #5 hasn’t seen much game action thus far, Jauron insists he feels comfortable with what he has accomplished this off-season, and believes he is prepared for the start of the regular season, with or without additional playing time.  That said, I am still slightly concerned.  The worry is not predicated on his lack of playing ability, it is based on his lack of reps in game situations.  Moreover, he hasn’t had the opportunity to get into a regular rhythm having played just 4 series of football.  Then again, the work he has put into his off-season program, as well as the reps he has gotten throughout training camp, there may be very little rust to shake off when he trots onto the field September 7th. 

Having assumed Edwards’ status as a no-go, and knowing the limited time Jauron plans for the starters to play Thursday, would it have actually mattered?  As always, the conventional wisdom is for coaches to sit their starters for virtually all of the final pre-season game.  And while I can certainly appreciate where they are coming from, I would like to see the starters get another half of football under their belts before the regular season gets underway.  I’ve never been an advocate for playing your go-to-guys throughout the entire pre-season, but I’d like to see them get a bit more time than the average of 3 series per game - especially when you still have a young team.

In addition to the question marks surrounding Edwards, the Bills have some other notable players expected to be on the sidelines tomorrow evening as well.  The list includes starting left tackle Langston Walker, who is still suffering from the arm injury sustained 4 nights ago, and rookie TE Derek Fine, who had surgery on his thumb today, and will likely miss significant time as a result.  On the flip side, James Hardy is expected to be back on the field, as well as Roscoe Parrish.  The real story at this position though, continues to be the battle between Steve Johnson and Justin Jenkins.  Jenkins’ fumble the other night could have cost him, but it is still a dead heat.

I for one am looking forward to an end of the practice games, and am ready to get the match-ups with some meaning underway.  Unfortunately though, there is still some business at hand.  Until tomorrow…

Go Bills!

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