NFL Notes: Bills, Browns, Patriots, Steelers, & Vikings

Bills

• QB E.J. Manuel bounced back from a “less than ideal performance” Tuesday night. (Mike Rodak)
• ILB Brandon Spikes didn’t appear to be 100 percent during Wednesday’s practice. Looks like he’s dealing with a groin issue. (Mike Rodak)
• DT Marcell Dareus‘ hamstring injury appears to be just a “minor issue.” (Mike Rodak)

Browns

• First-round pick QB Johnny Manziel could get the start in the Browns’ second preseason game against Washington, but his performance on Saturday will likely determine this. (Pat McManamon)
• OLB Paul Kruger fell on QB Brian Hoyer‘s surgically repaired knee, but Hoyer was not injured on the play. (Pat McManamon)
• TE Jordan Cameron is out for Saturday’s game. (Pat McManamon)

Patriots

• Backup QB Ryan Mallett is expected to receive the majority of quarterback snaps Thursday night. (Mike Reiss)
• DT Sealver Siliga was sent back to Boston for more tests on his injured left hand. (Mike Reiss)
• Undrafted TEs Justin Jones and Asa Watson are expected to see plenty of playing time on Thursday. (Mike Reiss)

Steelers

• The Steelers had their worst practice of training camp on Wednesday. (Scott Brown)
• First-round LBs Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones continue to miss practice with injuries. However, HC Mike Tomlin referred to Shazier’s injury as a “boo boo.” (Scott Brown)
• Sean Spence continues to fill in at weakside inside linebacker with the first-string defense in place of Shazier. (Scott Brown)
• Veteran WR Darrius Heyward-Bey returned to practice after missing time with a concussion. (Scott Brown)

Vikings

• Rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater could see as much as two quarters of playing time on Friday, which includes some work with the first-team offense. (Ben Goessling)