AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

Bills HC Sean McDermott said RB LeSean McCoy will continue being a “big part” of their offense next season and the team is still committed to him.

“I’m really excited about where we’re going and LeSean being a part of that,” said McDermott, via Sal Capaccio of WGR550. “I know this year wasn’t what he had hoped it would be. The biggest thing I want to see is ‘what are we going to do to get it back to where it needs be?’ I think he’s committed to that cause and so are we.”

McDermott added that he expects McCoy to get “back on track” in 2019.

“LeSean’s a pro. He’s played at a very high level for a long period of time and I expect him to get back on track,” said McDermott.

Dolphins

• Dolphins HC Adam Gase confirmed that WR DeVante Parker will play in Sunday’s game.
• Barry Jackson notes that the Dolphins would be on the hook for $9.4 million in 2019 if Parker were to get seriously injured on Sunday.

Jets

Jets QB Sam Darnold says he’s looking to the future, despite the team’s disappointing 2018 season.

“I look back on those wins and how we played and how much potential we had as a team,” Darnold said, via Brian Costello of the New York Post. “Yeah, we didn’t finish out the way that we wanted, record-wise. It gives you hope as a player, as a fan, as a coach of this team that the future is bright. We were in all of these games, except for Buffalo. As an organization and as a fan base, I feel like everyone should be very hopeful and very excited about where this team is heading.”

• According to Rich Cimini, Jets TE Eric Tomlinson was placed on injured reserve Thursday after he dropped a weight on his foot in the weight room and underwent surgery for two lacerated toes.

Patriots

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski said Thursday that he hasn’t thought about his future in the NFL beyond this season.

“I haven’t been thinking about that at all,” Gronkowski said, via Pro Football Talk. “We’re on the last game. We’re in Week 17. We’ve got the Jets, and that’s all I’m really worried about as of now.”

“We haven’t thought about that. I haven’t thought about that,” Gronkowski said of playing as long as Tom Brady. “We’ve got this big game Sunday still and the playoffs after. That’s the last thing that is on my mind right now. I love the grind. I’m all in. I’ve been all in all season, no matter if it’s been up, if it’s been down, and I’m going to tell you this right now: I’m going to be all in for the rest of the year no matter when it is. That’s just my main focus. No matter how it goes.”