Published: August 06, 2008 10:52 am            

BILLS NOTES: Team practices through some wet weather

PITTSFORD — The wild weather usually reserved for Ralph Wilson Stadium late in the NFL season visited the Buffalo Bills in training camp instead.

Tuesday’s night practice was delayed at the start and then interrupted by rain, but the Bills were able to finish the workout just as the drops intensified and thunder and lightning filled the sky.

“We really didn’t think we’d finish the practice ... but we got lucky,” Bills coach Dick Jauron said. “I wish it hadn’t rained, because it drove some of our fans out. Some of them don’t get a great opportunity to see us, so it’s nice when they can get out. I wish it had stayed dry for them, but it worked out fine.”

Jauron said the benefits of practicing in wet conditions are minimal.

“We can always get a wet ball and do a wet-ball drill,” he said. “It probably does help you, but I’d just as soon avoid it. I worry about guys slipping and that kind of thing, but it is good to handle the ball.”

The wet field kept rookie wide receiver James Hardy and veteran cornerback Will James — who are nursing hamstring and groin injuries, respectively — out of the team portion of practice.

“We got them through individual (drills), but then did want to keep them off the field, because it was wet,” Jauron said.

Receiver Josh Reed (lower back) and safety Donte Whitner (ankle) also missed the session. Jauron, though, said Whitner was feeling much better, while Reed will be re-examined today.

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The Bills open the preseason Saturday in Washington. It’s unlikely they’ll see two players Bills fans may be familiar with.

Redskins rookie wide receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly — both of whom were potential targets by the Bills during this year’s draft — are likely to miss the game with injuries.

There has been no decision made yet on whether the receiver the Bills did take in the second round, Hardy, will suit up.

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QUICK HITS: Former Bills special teams great Steve Tasker took in Tuesday’s practice from the sidelines. ... It was a good night for the defense, as three players picked off passes. Reggie Corner snagged a pass from Trent Edwards before Ashton Youboty and George Wilson took turns picking off J.P. Losman. Youboty, though, may have pushed off on his pick. ... Edwards and Evans hooked up for the night’s longest completion during 7-on-7 drills. ... The Bills practice today from 1 to 3:05 p.m., then work out from 7 to 9:05 p.m. Thursday before leaving Friday for Washington.

Contact reporter Jay Skurski at 693-1000, ext. 117.

        

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