New England PatriotsThe 411: The Patriots took to the practice field Sunday for the first time following their 34-22 victory over the Saints on Thursday. This week, the Pats will host the Bears for joint sessions before the two teams clash Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
"I think this will be a good, productive week for us," head coach Bill Belichick said. "We're looking forward to just trying to find ways to improve individually, improve collectively as a team. This will help our coaches, help our players. It's good to have the Bears here and I look forward to working with them today."
But NESN reported Monday that a near-brawl, sparked by some jawing between Pats CB Malcolm Butler and Bears WR Alshon Jeffrey, got the week started.
According to Patriots.com, safety Nate Ebner is expected to re-sign with the team in the near future after fulfilling his Olympic duties. Ebner, who is entering his fifth season, was a member of the US Rugby Team and in anticipation of his return, the Patriots released rookie offensive lineman Kyler Kerbyson.
Preseason Week 1 Standout: RB Tyler Gaffney
The Stanford product missed the entirety of 2015 due to a knee injury and in his first game action since, Gaffney racked up 64 yards on the ground including a 44-yard touchdown run.
PUP:RB Dion Lewis, T Sebastian Vollmer, G Tre' Jackson and WR Danny Amendola.
Buffalo BillsThe 411:The Bills had an active week. While the team continues to fight the injury bug, they received some good news Monday. Second-year RB Karlos Williams passed his physical and has been activated from the non-football illness list. The Florida State product was battling with his weight throughout the offseason, showing up 20-pounds overweight to minicamp.
Additionally, Buffalo signed veteran OLB Kroy Biermann, who adds proven depth to a unit beset by ailments. Rookie Shaq Lawson is expected to miss months after shoulder surgery and IK Enemkpali, who recently tore his ACL, was waived/injured.
Most notably, the Bills inked quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a multi-year extension and his teammates shared Taylor's excitement.
"Oh, it's good," said RB LeSean McCoy. "Anytime you get your quarterback to lock in and be the guy for this franchise, it's special. Especially a guy like Tyrod Taylor, we need him here. He's done the right things with the contract and taking care of us, so we're happy in this offense. Looking for a big year."
Preseason Week 1 Standout:S Duke Williams
The 6'2", 216-pounder compiled three tackles against the Colts, including one TFL and two PDs. His impressive game caught the eye of head coach Rex Ryan and Williams was rewarded Monday in practice.
PUP: WR Marcus Easley and OLB Shaq Lawson.
Active/Non-Football Illness: DB Jonathan Dowling and T Seantrel Henderson.
Active/Non-Football Injury: LB Manny Lawson and WR Kolby Listenbee.
Miami DolphinsThe 411:A few Dolphins' rookies put together impressive performances their during a 27-10 victory over the Giants.
Third-string quarterback Brandon Doughty started his professional career on a high note. He finished the game with a 97.2 passer rating, completing seven of his nine passes for 66 yards. While it's a small sample size, the Western Kentucky product impressed head coach Adam Gase.
"I saw a guy that was very comfortable," he said. "I felt good calling plays for him. I didn't have any concerns. I wasn't sitting there (saying), 'I can't call this, I can't call this.' I felt good, for myself. Watching him react to everything I called, it was like there was nothing that was bothering him. He'd get hit, he'd bounce back up (and) he'd look right at me. I love that part of him and then his progressions were really good. He was always in the right spot, which is good to see (because) it's different in practice."
First-round pick Laremy Tunsil played the third-most snaps of anyone on the team. Furthermore, Texas Tech speedster Jakeem Grant caught four balls for 68 yards and finished the game with 128 total yards.
Preseason Week 1 Standout:S Walt Aikens
Aikens led all Dolphins with five total tackles and added a sack and a forced fumble to his stat sheet as well. According to Dolphins.com, the third-year veteran has been impressive throughout camp and his forced fumble set up a game-tying touchdown run.
PUP: CB Xavien Howard and LB Zach Vigil.
Active/Non-Football Injury: DE Dion Jordan.
