Published: May 20, 2009 11:31 pm      

BILLS NOTES: Youboty not close to returning

ORCHARD PARK — A year ago, Ashton Youboty was hoping to use organized team activities to save his spot on the roster.

This year, the team is saving a spot for him.

The team’s third-round pick in 2006 had a great preseason in 2008, then followed with a string of five solid games to start the season. But a foot injury sidelined him for the rest of the campaign, and although the team insists he’s improving, Youboty has yet to take part in the team’s organized team activities.

After Wednesday’s session inside the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse, coach Dick Jauron said the cornerback’s chances of returning before training camp are up in the air.

“He’s getting better and better all of the time. We just want to make sure he’s ready for training camp,” Jauron said. “Through this period, we’ll just see how it goes. He’s been heading in the right direction now for a number of weeks, so we’re happy about that.”

In his place, Reggie Corner is expected to get a large share of nickel back assignments.

Youboty had eight total tackles in last year’s season opener against Seattle, then contributed a sack the following week against Jacksonville.

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SPORADIC STROUD: While Youboty has been just a spectator, defensive end Marcus Stroud saw the field on Tuesday, then missed Wednesday’s session.

Jauron said the move was strictly precautionary, and Stroud did not suffer any injuries during Tuesday’s workout.

“It was planned. We want to make sure that we don’t overdo it for a player like that, a very experienced player in the league and in our business,” Stroud said. “He was on the second day, off the first and third. We’ll probably go through the whole thing like that.”

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JEFFERSON CUT: The team also announced wide receiver Mike Jefferson was waived on Wednesday.

Jefferson is a Montana State product who signed on as a practice team player in November. He did not see action with the team.

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NOTES FROM PRACTICE: Donte Whitner was back on the field Wednesday after missing Tuesday’s session while attending a court session for his arrest in Cleveland. ... Whitner hopped right back into drills and had an interception on Wednesday, picking off a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass that deflected off the hands of rookie Shawn Nelson. ... The team will resume workouts on Tuesday, but Jauron was pleased with the bodies in attendance. “The turnout has been terrific, and the effort has been great,” the coach said. “And we’re making advances.”

Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.