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News came out this week that the Buffalo Bills’ players, in the midst of the current lockout, are holding “informal” workouts in the area to get some semblance of normalcy in their routine. This is the time of year when minicamps would be in full swing, and it’s great to see that the players are at least giving the effort to remain a “team” while the lockout drags on. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had previously held workouts at his home in Arizona with the team’s receivers, trying to build on the chemistry developed last season. Fitz is also present at these most recent “practices”, along with other team leaders such as player rep George Wilson, Lee Evans, Chris Kelsay and Fred Jackson. The players have admitted that due to injury concerns, they can’t accomplish as much as they would at a formal team minicamp, but see a lot of value in just building camaraderie among their teammates. Wide receiver Donald Jones is not here for the workouts. He will be taking part in another informal workout in Florida next week with other players – from the Jets and Dolphins – being called the “AFC East Blitz”. It’s funny that no members of the Patriots will be there. Maybe the participating players didn’t want to be bothered with having to search the Pats’ players’ gymn bags for hidden video cameras. The idea of these players from rival teams practicing at the same facility is pretty strange. One blogger – Brian Galliford on Buffalo Rumblings.com, wrote that these workouts “make me wonder what would’ve happened if Kent Hull and Bryan Cox had worked out together”.

The Bills’ local workouts attracted at least 32 players from the roster, along with some local undrafted college free agents hoping to get their NFL shot once the lockout is over. There was a rumor that J.P. Losman was taking part also. Yikes. It was great to see that a pair of Buffalo draft picks – linebacker Kelvin Sheppard from LSU and safety Da’Norris Searcy of North Carolina – are taking part in the workouts also. Sheppard is a guy the Bills’ coaching staff fell in love with at the Senior Bowl this year, and this kid appears to be a real leader who has no qualms about taking charge in any situation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the starting lineup at inside linebacker on opening day this year, whenever that opening day finally happens. Searcy could be the heir apparent to Donte Whitner’s starting safety position, and at this point him being involved in the workouts and getting to know his future teammates is a great move on his part, while Whitner continues to “tweet” his way out of town.