Mum on replacements
Before ever hitting the field in training camp, the Bills lost two key pieces to the puzzle. Starting defensive tackle Star Lotulelei opted out of playing in the COVID-19 2020 season ahead and starting offensive lineman Jon Feliciano suffered a chest injury which will keep him out for a few months.
When asked about those potential replacements for both of those guys, McDermott did not provide any sort of answer. From the sounds of it, both of those jobs are for the taking from anybody on the roster. Which of course is a good strategy by the coach.
“Well I think at the defensive tackle spot, and right guard position, we have options right now. It’s rare that before you even set on the field you lose one or two players,” McDermott said. “This is why you bring players in and try to build with depth because things like this do happen. It’s really, honestly, next man up. Next man up, it’s an opportunity for them. I don’t want to get into names because there’s a lot of guys we have confidence in.”
For Lotulelei, leading candidates include Harrison Phillips and Vernon Butler. On offense, it’s really more so anyone’s open spot. Feliciano could be replaced by a slew of players, such as Cody Ford, Spencer Long, Evan Boehm or Daryl Williams.