Published: August 04, 2008 11:00 pm            

BILLS: Whitner, Reed sit out with injuries

PITTSFORD — On an uneventful day at Buffalo Bills training camp, the biggest news was that one of the team’s top players was peering from the sideline at St. John Fisher.

Donte Whitner, one of the team’s most consistent defenders since being picked from Ohio State three years ago, missed practice with what coach Dick Jauron called “a little ankle injury.” There was no word on whether he’d participate in Tuesday’s session.

"We already examined it and I think Bud (Carpenter) wants to get an MRI just to make sure. And then we'll take care of whatever that is and hopefully it will pass very quickly," said Jauron.

Also, wide receiver Josh Reed was out with a lower back problem, and had yet to be examined by team doctors as of the conclusion of Monday’s practice.

While Whitner and Reed were out, new additions Donnie Spragan and C.J. Hawthorne were on the field at Fisher.

Spragan, who was signed for depth at linebacker when rookie Alvin Bowen was injured, has played with Denver and Miami.

An affable undrafted player, Spragan said he’s already been “trash talking” with some of his former Dolphin teammates and said being on the other side of a rivalry doesn’t change the way he approaches his job.

“My allegiance is to the guys I’m sweating with,” Spragan said. “What I remember about Buffalo is that the teams play hard, the weather always seems to be a factor and the people here love the game. I’m really excited about the opportunity.”

Hawthorne, meanwhile, was a wide receiver at Hawaii who had been converted from cornerback. He caught six TDs last season during Hawaii’s run to the Sugar Bowl.

“Being a cornerback is lonely,” Hawthorne said. “But if I’m going too make this team, it’s going to have to be through special teams.”

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Maybe there’s something to reports that the Bills will start throwing to their backs more this season.

Fullback Jonathan Evans made a nice reception of an overthrown J.P. Losman pass as he leaked out of the backfield.

But the play of the day was a long throw from Trent Edwards to Marshawn Lynch. The Bills sent Lynch in motion out wide, and Edwards saw he had Lynch matched against linebacker Angelo Crowell.

Lynch streaked down the sideline and Edwards’ pass was a little short and to the outside, but Lynch made a nice adjustment on the ball and hauled it in.

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QUICK HITS: Camp wouldn’t be fun without a little teasing, right? When it looked like Roscoe Parrish was going to catch a deep touchdown, Ashton Youboty grabbed his arm and Parrish couldn’t make the catch. Parrish instantly yelled, to which a sidelined Donte Whitner responded, “That’s an uncatchable ball.” Parrish wasn’t thrilled with Whitner’s officiating. “Man, I’m your teammate,” Parrish said, “and that’s how you feel?” ... The Bills threw a number of inside screens, including a couple to Parrish. But when Lee Evans looped inside for a quick toss midway through the session, Paul Posluszny darted in from his middle linebacker spot and met Evans grill-to-grill. ... Jabari Greer came off the edge and blocked a field goal attempt during special teams drills. ... Jon Corto had an interception on a deflected pass from Matt Baker that was intended for Derek Schouman.

        

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