AFC Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• Fansided’s Matt Lombardo lists the Bills as strong candidates to potentially trade for Giants G Kevin Zeitler. They have the salary space and need at guard to be able to pay the mid-round pick the Giants are likely asking for. 

Dolphins

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa said he plans on being a team-leader but doesn’t intend on taking an aggressive approach with his teammates.  

“I think my leadership plan is just to be the same Tua I’ve always been,” Tagovailoa said, via Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. “I don’t have to go out yelling at guys. That’s just not the way I lead. I’m just going to be me.”

Dolphins WR Isaiah Ford said Tagovailoa has done well observing veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick so far this season. 

“I think Tua’s done a great job of observing the things Fitz does,” Ford said. “Whether it’s taking command of the huddle, or coming to us outside of the huddle, when we’re on the side, and just talking through what we’re seeing and kind of getting on the same page. So, I think he brings his own charisma or level of comfort.”

Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki added that the rookie quarterback has done well making a presence in the locker room. 

“Tua has done a phenomenal job with just being a guy in the locker room,” Gesicki said. “Everybody has fun when they are around him. He’s a funny guy. He’s a good time to be around. Then when he’s out on the field, he has that – where he can flip a switch and make it serious, but also still have fun with it.​​​​​​”

• Dolphins LB Andrew Van Ginkel has cleared the concussion protocol. (Armando Salguero)

Jets

It didn’t take long after their breakup for the Jets and RB Le’Veon Bell to meet again, as Bell comes to town with his new team the Chiefs and the same motivation anyone has in a new couple to prove they’re better off. Jets HC Adam Gase, faced with accusations of misusing Bell and besieged by negative press about his job security, could really benefit from shutting Bell down. But he wasn’t letting any reporters in on the subtext with Bell.  

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure that he’s going to be worried about just winning a game, period,” Gase said via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “That’s what most players are worried about. They’re worried about, ‘Hey, what do I have to do this week to help my team win?’ So, I’m sure that’s what he’s going to be worried about doing. We’ve got a lot of guys to worry about on that side of the ball against them.”

• Jets WR Jamison Crowder (groin) returned to practice and was limited. He’s still questionable to play this week. (Cimini)
• Jets G Alex Lewis (shoulder) is trending toward a return, while K Sam Ficken (groin) was also limited. Jets S Bradley McDougald (shoulder) remained out, as well as WR Breshad Perriman (concussion protocol).

Patriots

• According to NFL Media’s Michael Giardi, Patriots WR Julian Edelman is dealing with a bone-on-bone situation in his knee, which is why he needed surgery on Thursday morning.