Following practice, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips downplayed the situation via video conference saying it’s “just football.”
But this was just OTAs too, and it appears the Bills were in mid-season emotional form during the session.
According to multiple reports from reporters on Tuesday including the Buffalo News, a rare fight broke out at Buffalo’s voluntary workout.
Reportedly defensive end AJ Epenesa intercepted a pass from quarterback Josh Allen near the line of scrimmage. From there, he returned the ball into the end zone for a touchdown and lineman Jon Feliciano took offense it.
While OTAs are usually mild-mannered, Feliciano was anything but as he tracked Epenesa down in the end zone and then the football was thrown at Feliciano. Punches were thrown as well.
Per NYup.com, Feliciano left the practice and did not return:
It was real. I’m guessing Feliciano wasn’t thrilled that Epenesa made the play while probably knowing what type of play/throw was coming. Feliciano took off his helmet, left the field and didn’t return. https://t.co/eYPxhg7LR6
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) June 8, 2021
By the time of posting this report, Feliciano and Epenesa have probably already buried the hatchet on this one. Still, emotions running so high for a practice that involves players wearing shorts is very rare… and heck, if anything, it sounds like this Bills team is already very invested in the 2021 season if such fumes are running so short this early in the offseason.
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