Roster

The Bills' official team website reports undrafted rookie receiver Da'Rick Rogers caught a deep touchdown pass from both Kevin Kolb and E.J. Manuel during drills. Rogers was participating in the team's minicamp. He beat his coverage thanks to his deep speed. "They’re calling the plays, I had a deep post on a couple of plays and I just got behind the coverage," said Rogers. "I used my speed and size."

Bills tight end Lee Smith scored his second touchdown of the season in Week 14 against the Rams Sunday. He was targeted just once in the game, scoring from two yards out in a 15-12 loss.

Bills defensive back Da'Norris Searcy left in Week 6 against the Cardinals due to an ankle injury. He sustained the injury in the second quarter and was unable to return to the contest. Searcy did not record a tackle prior to leaving.

Bills quarterback Tyler Thigpen saw his first action of the season in Week 15 against the Seahawks. He came on for starter Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter and completed 3 of 5 passes for 30 yards in the 50-17 loss.

Bills coach Chan Gailey said defensive lineman Mark Anderson will miss another 2-3 weeks because he had another procedure on his injured knee.

Bills cornerback Aaron Williams hurt his right knee making a tackle and left the game Sunday at the Texans in Week 9. He finished the game with four tackles.

Bills defensive lineman Marcell Dareus had a strong performance in Week 16 against the Dolphins, despite a 24-10 loss. Dareus got to Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill twice in the game, while adding four solo tackles.

Bills head coach Doug Marrone said he won't push receiver Steve Johnson to come back too soon from a back problem. However, it's the second offseason gathering he's missed with the injury. "He does have a problem like you said, and again, I think that I feel very comfortable with what Stevie has done in the past," Marrone said. "For me, it is more important for me to get him healthy and get him well than it is to try and push him to get on the field."

Back - Probable for start of training camp

The Bulls team website reports that tight end Scott Chandler is having ACL surgery Thursday coming off the Week 16 knee injury he sustained against the Dolphins. “I’m doing well right now,” Chandler said. ”I’ve got surgery scheduled for Thursday so I won’t be going along so well after that. But I’m anxious to get it done and get back on the road to recovery and be ready to go next year.” Chandler said there isn’t anything complicated about his surgery. “It’s a pretty straightforward ACL from what I understand,” he said. ”You trust that those guys know what they’re doing and I’m going to do everything I can to be ready as soon as I can. The onus is on the guy doing the recovery so I’ll be working hard at it and hopefully be back out there.”

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

Buffalo LB Chris White suffered a torn ACL during the Week 10 game at Dallas, reports the Buffalo News Monday. White, a rookie, will miss the remainder of the season.

The Bills have released QB Aaron Corp, kicker Chris Koepplin and TE Joe Sawyer.

The Bills announced Wednesday defensive backs Cris Hill and Joshua Nesbitt were waived-injured.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made some cuts on Monday afternoon to trim the roster down to 75 players, reports the Tampa Tribune. Released were running back De'Anthony Curtis, snapper Andrew DePaola, wide receiver Greg Ellingson, tight end Collin Franklin, wide receiver Ed Gant, punter Eric Guthrie, tackle Mike Ingersoll, linebacker Brian Smith, safety Tramain Thomas and cornerback Marquese Wheaton.

The Bills have drafted Texas receiver Marquise Goodwin with the 78th pick in the NFL draft, adding speed to what's becoming a new-look offense. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 179 pounds, Goodwin competed at the London Summer Games last year, where he finished 10th in the long jump. He was also a sprinter on the Longhorns track team. In football, he had 120 catches for 1,364 yards and seven touchdowns in 50 career games, including 22 starts. Goodwin became the second receiver drafted by Buffalo on Thursday. The team opened the second round by selecting Southern California's Robert Woods with the 41st pick. The Bills offense is being transformed under rookie head coach Doug Marrone. Buffalo opened the draft by picking Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel with the 16th pick.

Playing in only his fifth game after beginning the season on injured reserve, Bills rookie defensive back Ron Brooks recorded a team-high nine tackles, including eight solo, Week 13 against the Jaguars. He entered the game with only four tackles on the season.

Second-year receiver T.J. Graham told the official team website that he fits in nicely with what new Bills head coach Doug Marrone wants to do. "Last year I was just trying figure out where to park my car at," said Graham. "This year I know more about the game and what to expect. ... I just happened to be fortunate to get a really good staff in here that can teach me and other receivers [to be better]. It’s a really good system and I like it. It’s wide open."

The Bills have released cornerback Terrence McGee Thursday, according to ESPN. McGee spent the final two months of the regular season on the injured reserve list because of a nagging knee injury.

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

Buffalo defensive lineman Mario Williams is active for Week 17 against the Jets as he continues to return to full strength following a wrist injury. Williams, who has dealt with the issue for most of the season, was listed as probable on the team's injury report.

Bills wide receiver Marcus Easley was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

Fred Jackson told WGR-AM he expects to be ready to work out when the team's offseason conditioning program opens in April. Jackson sprained his right LCL Week 1 and his season ended Week 14 with a Grade 2 MCL sprain of the same knee. "I'm on track ready to go," he said. "I’m trying to hit the ground running and do as much as I can. I've been cleared by all the doctors so I’m ready to get back into it, and get back on the field and prove to these coaches that I need to be on the field."

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

The Bills added wide receiver Ruvell Martin to the active roster Tuesday after he was among the team's final cuts last week. Martin filled the vacancy created by defensive back Ron Brooks' move to injured reserve recall with a foot injury.

Buffalo announced that tight end Mike Caussin's contract has tolled and he will remain under contract. Caussin was placed on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform prior to the 2012 season.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

The Bills placed linebacker Arthur Moats (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday.

The Bills team website reports on Friday the Bills re-signed quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, and according to new head coach Doug Marrone the veteran signal caller will have a much better opportunity to see playing time for Buffalo in 2013. “I spoke with Ryan (Fitzpatrick) and Tarvaris (Jackson) and told them we will have an open competition at the quarterback position – similar to what we will do at all positions on our team heading into our offseason work,” said Marrone. Jackson was set to become a free agent in mid-March had he not been re-signed by the club. The third quarterback on Buffalo’s roster in 2012, Jackson never saw the field for the Bills last season as the previous coaching staff expressed concern that there was not enough practice time to get him live reps in the offensive system.

The Bills have signed safety Bryan Scott to a new contract.

The Bills announced they have designated free safety Jairus Byrd as its franchise player. He's expected to continue his career in Buffalo.

The Bills promoted defensive lineman Jay Ross from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

The Bills signed cornerback Crezdon Butler Wednesday.

The Bills promoted cornerback T.J. Heath from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday.

Buffalo cornerback Stephon Gilmore had one of his better tackling performances in the Week 10 loss at New England Sunday. Gilmore finished the game with six tackles and five went for solo stops. The 22-year-old rookie's season high was seven tackles done twice this year.

New Bills running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley told the media he expects to utilize both C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson in the Bills' rushing attack. He said the run game will involve both backs at times and one back at other times. Though he didn't get into what each back would do or how often they'd hit the field, he did share his thoughts on splitting reps, something he did as a pro. "Later in my career I shared with Charlie Garner, I shared with Napoleon Kaufman and Zack Crockett and it worked out perfect because I was in the mode and the philosophy that I had a specific role," Wheatley said. "In my opinion once a player understands his role and understand the overall scheme and philosophy, you’re there. ... Do you want to rush for 2,000 yards and be home for the playoffs or do you want to rush for 500 yards and get a Super Bowl ring?"

Following their April minicamp the Bills signed kicker Chris Koepplin, fullback Frank Summers, punter Brian Stahovich and defensive ends Kourtnei Brown and Jamie Blatnick.

Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams had Achilles surgery in mid-February, the official team site reports. Williams' injury was not a rupture and instead was a frayed ligament, helping his chances to be ready for the start of the season.

Achilles - Questionable for start of training camp

The Bills traded linebacker Kelvin Sheppard to the Colts for pass rusher Jerry Hughes. Sheppard started 15 games for the Bills last year and has at least 70 total tackles in each of his first two seasons. Hughes, a former first-round pick, posted career-highs with four sacks and 41 total tackles last season.

The Bills have tendered exclusive rights free agent Dorin Dickerson, likely making him part of the team in 2013. Though rarely used last season (he caught nine passes), the official team website speculates he could receive a larger role in the Bills' offense this season.

Bills NT Torell Troup (lower back) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. DL Lionel Dotson was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster to take Troup's spot.

The Sports Xchange notes Bills rookie Kelvin Sheppard is close to officially taking over one of the team's inside linebacker sports alongside Nick Barnett, replacing veteran Andra Davis. Sheppard, who battled injuries in training camp, is healthy and making an impact. He took most of the snaps in the loss to the Giants. "He's sitting right there ready to take over that role," coach Chan Gailey said. "Whether he starts or not (vs. Washington on Oct. 30), I don't know. But he's going to get the majority of the snaps."

The Bills have claimed tight end Mickey Shuler off waivers from the Raiders.

The Chiefs announced Sunday the release of fullback Shane Bannon, tight end Tim Briere, linebacker Caleb Campbell, defensive back Dominique Ellis, defensive back Jean Fanor, linebacker Dexter Heyman, wide receiver Jeremy Horne, defensive end Ethan Johnson, wide receiver Brandon Kinnie, wide receiver Zeke Markshausen, kicker Matt Szymanski and wide receiver Aaron Weaver.

The Bills were expected to draft a quarterback in the NFL Draft, but they surprised many by taking Florida State passer E.J. Manuel at No. 16 after trading down with the Rams. Manuel will now likely compete with Kevin Kolb for the starting job. Kolb was signed as a free agent this offseason.

Ribs - Questionable for start of training camp

Buffalo kicker Rian Lindell missed both of his field-goal attempts and tallied four extra points during the Bills' 28-9 victory over the Jets in Week 17. Lindell was unable to convert on attempts of 50 and 46 yards -- both in the third quarter -- as the swirling wind sent both kicks wide left.

The Bills re-signed linebacker Kirk Morrison Thursday.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Steelers added defensive lineman Corbin Bryant to the 53-man roster Tuesday.

On Monday the Bills announced the release of veteran safety George Wilson and linebacker Nick Barnett. Wilson had over 100 total tackles in each of the last two seasons with 11 passes defensed over that span. Barnett actually led the team in tackles each of the last two seasons with 112 this year and 130 in 2011.

CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports the Bills have signed defensive tackle Alan Branch to a one-year deal.

The Bill selected tight end Chris Gragg in the seventh round of the NFL Draft out of Arkansas. Gragg caught 72 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in four years for the Razorbacks. He is more of a receiver than a blocker, and he led all tight ends at the Combine with a 4.50 40-yard dash.

The Bills have claimed linebacker Marcus Dowtin off waivers from the Eagles.

Buffalo placed veteran K Dave Rayner on injured reserve Wednesday with a shoulder injury. Rayner is the second Bills kicker to be sidelined for the season after K Rian Lindell also went down with a shoulder injury. Buffalo signed K Brandon Coutu to replace Rayner.

The Bills promoted wide receiver Chris Hogan and linebacker Greg Lloyd from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

With the Bills trading inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard to the Colts, there appears to be an opportunity for rookie Kiko Alonso to land a starting job in training camp. Listed at 6-foot-3, 238 pounds, Alonso was a hard-hitting tackler over a three-year career. He played mostly at inside linebacker and finished with 143 tackles, six interceptions and 3.5 sacks in 36 games, including 17 starts. Alonso had one interception and five tackles in being named the 2012 Rose Bowl defensive player of the game in a 45-38 win over Wisconsin. He encountered off-the-field problems, and was suspended for the entire 2010 season due to separate alcohol-related offenses.

The Bills promoted defensive back Mana Silva to the active roster from their practice squad Friday. Silva was signed by Buffalo in early October after being released by Dallas. The Bills waived fellow defensive back Delano Howell to create a roster spot for Silva.

Bills RB Corey McIntyre ran once for 1 yard against the Lions in Week 10. The carry was only his fourth of the season.

Bills CB Justin Rogers left practice with an ankle injury, coach Chan Gailey said. "They took him in to make sure it was all right, and it wasn't anything bad," Gailey said. "They think he's just fine." Rogers was a seventh-round pick of the team in April's NFL Draft.

Bills NT Torell Troup (lower back) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. DL Lionel Dotson was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster to take Troup's spot.

Following their April minicamp the Bills signed kicker Chris Koepplin, fullback Frank Summers, punter Brian Stahovich and defensive ends Kourtnei Brown and Jamie Blatnick.

The Bills promoted wide receiver Chris Hogan and linebacker Greg Lloyd from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

The Bills continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: wide receivers Derek Hagan, Naaman Roosevelt, Ruvell Martin, Kamar Aiken and Marcus Easley; tight end Kevin Brock; running backs Johnny White and Zach Brown; linebackers Tank Carder and Scott McKillop; defensive linemen Robert Eddins, Jarron Gilbert and Kellen Heard; and defensive backs Nick Saenz and Isaiah Green.

Bills defensive lineman Alex Carrington, who hadn't recorded a sack since Week 2 against the Chiefs, came through with 1 1/2 Week 13 against the Jaguars. He also had four tackles, including three solo, in the contest.

The Bills continued trimming their roster Friday in preparation for the regular season and released the following players: wide receivers Derek Hagan, Naaman Roosevelt, Ruvell Martin, Kamar Aiken and Marcus Easley; tight end Kevin Brock; running backs Johnny White and Zach Brown; linebackers Tank Carder and Scott McKillop; defensive linemen Robert Eddins, Jarron Gilbert and Kellen Heard; and defensive backs Nick Saenz and Isaiah Green.

Buffalo wide receiver Brad Smith racked up 46 total yards from scrimmage and a touchdown during the Bills' 28-9 victory over the Jets in Week 17. While lining up in the wildcat formation, Smith darted into the end zone on a 4-yard run during the fourth quarter for his first touchdown of the season and first score against his former team. He posted two receptions for 26 yards on six targets from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

With the No. 41 pick in the second round, the Bills selected wide receiver Robert Woods out of Southern California. Despite being overshadowed by teammate Marqise Lee in 2012, Woods still had a productive season with 76 catches for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns. Regarded as a crisp route-runner like Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks, Woods (6-1, 201) can easily gain separation on defensive backs even without world-class speed. Experienced in the return game, as well, Woods averaged more than 24.5 yards per kickoff return in his three seasons at USC.

Bills general manager Buddy Nix named Nigel Bradham as a "three-down defender" and likely starting weak-side linebacker in 2013.

According to his representatives, the Bills have re-signed running back Tashard Choice.

The Bills official team website reports that new general manager Doug Whaley was asked in an appearance on the NFL Network about the chances of rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel being ready to start Week 1 of the regular season. Whaley didn’t rule out the possibility. “Time will tell,” said Whaley. ”He does have the work ethic and the leadership qualities that he’ll have a chance. But we believe competition brings out the best in everybody. Between him, Kevin Kolb, Tarvaris Jackson, even Jeff Tuel, we’re excited to see who comes out on top of that position battle.” Buffalo’s season opener is a home game against New England.

The Bills drafted kicker Dustin Hopkins in the sixth round of the NFL Draft out of Florida State. Hopkins will compete with veteran Rian Lindell for the starting job.

Buffalo promoted wide receiver Kevin Elliott to the active roster Friday, giving the team some flexibility at the position for Week 17 against the Jets. Elliott took the roster spot vacated by tight end Scott Chandler, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

The Bills placed LB Reggie Torbor on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, coach Chan Gailey said on Thursday. The eighth-year pro was one of the leaders in the locker room and he was a key contributor on obvious passing downs. "Reggie Torbor was a strong person on our football team and we're going to miss him," Gailey added.

The Bills have signed outside linebacker Manny Lawson after falling out of favor in Cincinnati. The veteran started 10 games last season but only racked up 39 total tackles, the lowest since an injury-shortened 2007.

The Bills released running back Chris Douglas the team announced Friday. Douglas was placed on injured reserve last Tuesday with an undisclosed injury.

FOXSports.com reports Saturday that the Bills have signed defensive back Leodis McKelvin to a four-year deal worth $20 million. McKelvin totaled 20 tackles and picked off just one pass in 2012 before landing on injured reserve with a groin injury late in the season.

Notable players let go of by the Bills include: WR Kamar Aiken, QB Levi Brown, FB Jehuu Caulcrick, TE Mike Caussin, OLB Antonio Coleman, CB Reggie Corner, WR Buster Davis, DT Lionel Dotson, DB Sidney Glover, ILB Brandon Hicks, DT Michael Jasper, DE T.J. Langley, CB Doyle Miller, TE Shawn Nelson, QB Josh Nesbitt and WR Naaman Roosevelt. Additionally the team waived/injured FS Jon Corto, WR Felton Huggins and OLB Jammie Kirlew. RB Bruce Hall was placed on injured reserve.

Though Bills defensive lineman Spencer Johnson was active for Week 13 against the Jaguars, he was unable to return to the lineup. He's been plagued by a hamstring injury for the last three games.