When the Bills offense takes the field for the first time Friday night against the Falcons, top pick Marshawn Lynch is expected to be one of the starting 11.
"Right now we'd like to see more of Marshawn so to ensure that we're thinking of putting him out there with that first group and see how he looks," said head coach Dick Jauron.
Lynch only appeared in seven plays last week and had just two carries for three yards. The rookie running back himself is anxious for some more work.
"It's going to be my first home game and I'm real excited about that," said Lynch. "I got some action last week and this week I'm looking to get a little more so I'm excited about that as well."
Starters to get a quarter
Jauron is increasing the playing time for the starting units on both sides of the ball after giving them just 12-15 plays last week.
"Our first groups will probably play at least a quarter, through the first quarter and then maybe deeper if circumstances warrant, but probably not because we'd like to stay on schedule," said Jauron. "We still have a lot of people we want to see again and again before we have to make decisions."
As far as the quarterback rotation is concerned after starter J.P. Losman both Craig Nall and Trent Edwards are scheduled to get as much or more work than last week.
"Trent will probably get more because he's so new to the league and the game, but we'll see a little more of Craig too," said Jauron. "It just depends on how the game goes and how many snaps we can get. If we can keep the ball and sustain some drives, we'd like to get a lot of snaps."
Lineup juggling
Angelo Crowell has some swelling on his left knee and did not do much in Thursday's practice. If he can't go Coy Wire would start in his place.
John McCargo also participated sparingly. Both he and Crowell are game time decisions, but Dick Jauron thinks McCargo has a fair chance to play.
"Right now I'm not certain, but we anticipate he will (play) and he wants to so that's a good thing too," said Jauron of McCargo.
Melvin Fowler however, is less likely to go according to Jauron.
"We'll still wait and see on Melvin," said Jauron. "He feels a lot better but its sore. Melvin hasn't done any work on it yet so we'll just see how that is as we get closer to game time."
If Fowler doesn't dress for the game Duke Preston will man the starting center role with Jason Whittle to start at right guard. Rookie free agent Christian Gaddis will likely get the nod in the pivot with the second team.
Not expected to play are Brad Butler, Trevor Hooper, Aaron Merz and Josh Scobey.
