Buffalo Bills: Frank Gore removed from NFI, participates in practice
Frank Gore’s stay on the non-football injury list was short lived, and he participated in the Buffalo Bills first practice of training camp on Thursday.
The Buffalo Bills fortunately had one of their key offensive pieces available for the first practice of training camp when Frank Gore passed his physical on Thursday, according to the team’s site.
This is good news as the running back position is a bit of question mark and having everyone available will help the coaching staff sort the position out. LeSean McCoy is back for his fifth season with the Bills and is joined by Gore and TJ Yeldon, who were signed as free agents this offseason. In addition to the veterans, the Bills drafted Devin Singletary with a third round pick this past season.
The team will likely give McCoy every chance to remain the team’s featured back but they shouldn’t discount what Gore can bring to this team. Even though he is 36 years of age, he is coming off a highly productive season with the Miami Dolphins with 722 rushing yards. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry and at times looked like the Dolphins best offensive weapon.
The one area that is hard to quantify, and could be the thing that has the biggest impact on this offense, is Gore’s ability as a pass blocker. In November, Jim Harbaugh, who coached Gore while he was with the 49ers, had this to say about him in regards to pass blocking:
"Harbaugh: “He’s one of the most incredible pass-protectors I’ve ever been around. He really understands third down and understands exotic blitzes. I also played with Marshall Faulk and they are both incredible at getting low and getting skinny.”"
Next. Key storylines for Bills at the start of training camp. dark
The addition of Gore to this offense could be one of those under-the-radar free agent moves that will have a tremendous impact on the Buffalo Bills in 2019.