Derek

Fine

Fine averaged just 8.6 YPC as a Kansas senior two years ago and 9.4 in his first pro season, so he doesn’t have much of a track record in the vertical passing game. Though Derek Schouman is considered the favorite to start, Fine could win the job with a strong camp.

Fine is expected to split snaps with starter Derek Schouman this season. Youngster Shawn Nelson will step in for Fine Monday night.

Schouman expressed initial optimism on Monday, but the MRI must have shown a torn ligament. The Bills’ starter was on his way to a career game when he had his leg bent underneath his body in Week 2. Rookie Shawn Nelson will see a much larger role with Schouman out and Derek Fine battling a hamstring injury.

It was assumed that rookie Shawn Nelson would step into the void following Derek Schouman’s season-ending injury, but Fine is healthy now. Expect the two to split snaps depending on situation. Fine will likely line up as the starter.

Starting in place of the injured Derek Schouman, Fine established a new career high for receptions in a game. He’ll likely split production with Shawn Nelson next week, assuming the rookie is healthy enough to play.

Schouman, a former seventh-round pick, is the most versatile of the Bills’ tight ends, while rookie Shawn Nelson is the best pass-catcher. Derek Fine also figures to be in the mix as a blocker as the team replace Robert Royals. Maybe if the team combined all three into one player they’d have something useful.

The Buffalo News calls Schouman No. 1A and Fine No. 1B, with Shawn Nelson being groomed to take over as the future starter. None of the Bills tight ends are worth drafting this year, save deep Dynasty leagues.

Fine, the Bills’ No. 2 tight end, is dealing with a hamstring injury which is why they promoted Jonathan Stupar from the practice squad for this week. Florence has a sprained knee and should return in the next couple weeks.

The Buffalo News speculates that the thumb might be broken. With Derek Schouman already sidelined by a knee injury, both Courtney Anderson and Tim Massaquoi could have their stay with the team extended.