NFL Notes: Bills, Broncos, Patriots, Saints

Bills

The Bills surprisingly decided to bench QB Tyrod Taylor in favor of rookie Nathan Peterman on Wednesday (NFLTR).

When asked about the team’s decision, Taylor said he was “obviously disappointed” with HC Sean McDermott‘s decision.

“I don’t agree with the decision, but ultimately Coach McDermott has a vision for this team, what he feels is best for the team, as well as the owners and GM,” Taylor said, via Mike Rodak of ESPN. “So I have to move forward and continue to be the leader and teammate that I am from a different role.”

“[I’m] very confident in my ability,” Taylor added. “I think I’ve grown as a player the past three years and I’m going to continue to keep growing, whether I’m playing on Sundays or learning right now. I’m going to keep growing and I have full confidence I can be a franchise quarterback when the opportunity presents itself. I’ll continue to keep doing the things I know how to do.”

Broncos

• Mike Klis reports that Broncos QB Paxton Lynch will get the No. 2 reps in practice starting Wednesday to see where he is physically in his return from a right shoulder injury.

Patriots

• According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater (hamstring) returned home instead of remaining with the team in Colorado Springs.
• Ian Rapoport adds that Slater’s hamstring injury is considered “serious” and he could be looking at a multi-game absence.

Saints

• Jason La Canfora reports that the Saints are adding special teams coach Mike Westhoff to their staff on Wednesday for the remainder of the 2017 season.
• According to La Canfora, Westhoff is an esteemed special teams coach who will be an assistant special teams coach for New Orleans.