Eric

Wood

Now 110 days removed from the procedure, Wood is on track to participate in training camp. Barring a setback, he’ll be snapping to Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1.

Wood fell on the leg awkwardly and had to be carried off the field by teammates, unable to put much or any weight on his right knee. The injury didn’t look good. Wood has quietly been the Bills’ best all-around lineman this year.

Wood tweeted that the surgery was successful, of course. What’s important to note is that the surgery occurred within days of the injury, an indication that this was a clean tear with no additional damage. Wood has a good chance to be back to full speed by the start of training camp.

Wood needed help to get off the field and the extent of the damage is unknown. “I would doubt that he is ready for this week. It might happen, but I would doubt that he’s ready for this week,” said coach Chan Gailey. The loss of Wood would be a big blow to the Bills’ reeling offense. He’s been their anchor all year. Andy Levitre is Wood’s backup.

It’s a huge blow for the Bills’ banged up offensive line, as Wood has been the team’s best all-around lineman this season. A slumping Ryan Fitzpatrick must now devote time to developing chemistry with a new center instead of figuring out what’s wrong with the Bills’ passing game. Andy Levitre should start in Wood’s place, but has been filling in at left tackle the past few weeks with both Demetrius Bell and Chris Hairston sidelined.

The former Elder High School and Louisville star will now miss action with a lower leg injury for the third time in three seasons. Buffalo’s best all-around offensive lineman this season, Wood was Pro Football Focus’ fourth-rated pass-blocking center over the first 10 weeks of the season. He should return as the starter in 2012.

The torn ACL marks the second time in three years Wood will be rehabbing a significant injury, but the Bills remain optimistic that he’ll be ready for the start of training camp. Wood’s surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews on November 13. He is still on schedule to return as the starter for 2012.

Wood is still being eased back in, but this is a positive sign that he will be in the starting lineup for the season opener. While the left tackle spot has been an issue in pass protection thus far, this is still shaping up as a fine run-blocking O-Line.

He won’t suit up for Thursday’s preseason opener, nor will C Eric Wood (ACL surgery). The good news is that Stevie Johnson (groin) is considered probable. It won’t be a concern if the Bills ultimately opt for caution and sit their No. 1 receiver.

Wood wasn’t originally expected to suit up for Buffalo’s second exhibition tilt, so he’s well ahead of schedule. He’ll be ready to roll for Week 1.