AFC Notes: Bills, Chargers, Jaguars

Bills

After suffering a lacerated kidney last year while he was with the Browns, new Bills S Jordan Poyer says it’s just a blessing to be able to be back on the practice field.

“It’s definitely a blessing to just put the cleats on again and be (back) on the field after the injury last season,” Poyer said, via the Buffalo News. “I put that behind me and I’m excited to move forward with this group of guys.”

Poyer added that he and Micah Hyde are “coming along really well” and working on their communication, which should really help them get accustomed to their new defense.

“Communication is key in this defense and the coaches rely on the safeties a lot to make a lot of the calls,” Poyer said. “(Hyde) and I together, I think we’re coming along really well. The communication is there, the chemistry is there. I think if we just keep building day by day, we’ll get to where we want to be.

“We’re growing as a defense each and every day, especially in the meeting rooms and then you take it out here on the football field. You see it in practice and it’s exciting and it’s exciting to be a part of. I can’t wait to just keep growing with this unit.”

Chargers

Chargers HC Anthony Lynn explained that CB Jason Verrett isn’t allowed to participate in team drills right now, as he works his way back from a torn ACL he suffered last year.

“He’s not allowed right now to participate in team drills,” Lynn said, via Eric D. Williams of ESPN. “He can do some one-on-ones in individuals and things like that, but he can’t do any team drills.”

Although, Lynn says that Verrett is trying to get back on the practice field.

“He’s trying to get in there,” Lynn said. “I had to kick him out of walk-through last week. He can’t even do walk-through because that’s considered a team drill. But he’s been very into it, standing back there with me watching the defense and making the calls. He’s very focused.”

The hope, according to Lynn, is that Verrett will be back for training camp.

Jaguars

Jaguars fourth-round WR Dede Westbrook says expectations are high for him entering his first year in the NFL.

“[W]e all know what I’m capable of,” Westbrook said, via Kendrick Marshall of the Tulsa World. “Of course, the expectations are high for me. I set goals for myself that I want to obtain at the beginning of the season.”

Westbrook mentioned that he’s open to playing any role the Jaguars want and he’s well aware of the fact that nothing is guaranteed, despite his draft status.

“The fact that you have to go out and practice hard each and every day — the playbook is huge,” Westbrook said. “It isn’t like college anymore, where pretty much everything is guaranteed as far as a scholarship goes. Regardless if you’re drafted or not, in the NFL you can get cut.”