John

DiGiorgio

Poz played with the first unit in the afternoon practice in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. He is battling John DiGiorgio for the starting middle linebacker role.

John DiGiorgio is the underdog, but Paul Posluszny has yet to claim the role. DiGiorgio could start early in the season if he continues to perform well.

He appears to be leading the battle, ahead of John DiGiorgio. Posz should be a 100+ tackle man if he claims the starting gig before the season, but probably won’t play on passing downs over Angelo Crowell or Keith Ellison.

DiGiorgio, who lost out to Paul Posluszny in their camp battle in the middle, may fill in while Keith Ellison and Coy Wire are out, instead of Mario Haggan.

He’s passed John DiGiorgio. Poz leads the Bills with 16 preseason stops and will likely fight Keith Ellison for the team lead during the regular season.

He was looking like the Duckett of 2004 before getting blown up twice on the goal line in the first half by Bills backup MLB John DiGiorgio. Duckett’s still the favorite for goal-line carries until Kevin Jones (foot) returns from PUP.

Who? The second-year undrafted free agent from Saginaw Valley was London Fletcher’s little-used backup last year, and is probably just keeping the seat warm for Paul Posluszny. DiGiorgio has apparently impressed the coaching staff, so it’s a battle to keep an eye on in camp for IDP leaguers.

Pozluzny’s injury will take eight weeks to recover from but coach Dick Jauron indicated he’ll be placed on I.R. DiGiorgio will have a ton of tackle chances as teams will slam Buffalo with the run. Angelo Crowell will presumably move to the weak side until Keith Ellison gets back. Mario Haggan will stand in on the strong side.

The Bills can ill afford to lose another linebacker. DiGiorgio had three tackles in the game before leaving. It’s uncertain who his backup is, although we suspect Angelo Crowell would move inside with Keith Ellison kicking to the strong side if DiGiorgio sits out in Week 10 against the Dolphins.

The Week 10 status for all three players is unknown. The beat up Bills defense would be in rough shape without DiGiorgio, but his absence would be good news for Dolphins RB Jesse Chatman.