The Buffalo Bills offensive line has been a turnstile of bad news during 2022 training camp.
Injuries and absences have piled up. The good news is that players such as Rodger Saffold (ribs) have returned to the lineup.
It’s been a long time coming.
Despite that, throughout all of the tumultuous times, the unit has still had the same consistent piece in place that has been there going on three-straight years. Center Mitch Morse.
Morse has only missed two games in his Bills career. The eight-year vet has the understanding that injuries can pile up during the summer, but there’s still no reason to fret.
There’s plenty of time to work things out and that’s the tranquil mood he’s put his team in.
“It’s the epitome of training camp, guys shuffling around, injuries or personal matters take people away from the game or their position,” Morse said via video conference.
“You don’t want to see guys get hurt, but it’s the unfortunate reality of this business,” Morse added. “It’s really a ‘next man up (situation)’ and right now we have some time for guys to heal and guys to step in and show what they can do.”
Morse’s experience under such duress has been noticed in the Bills locker room. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey has taken note.
“I think anytime you’ve got great experience in the middle it’s going to help,” Dorsey said at camp. “That calming influence that he brings I think is extremely helpful.”
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen referenced Morse’s demeanor as something he’s accustomed to… but still always welcomes.
“That guy is in business mode,” Allen said via video conference. “I haven’t seen anything like him in a while in terms of just knowing the offense and controlling that room.”
By the time the Bills kickoff their campaign against the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo will want their full starting offensive line in place. That’s not a slight against Morse, he just can’t block everyone himself.
But the Bills sure do sounds grateful to have Morse on their side in tough times like this.
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