Buffalo Bills reserve tackle Matt Murphy expects to be cleared to resume practicing next week after electing not to have season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn left rotator cuff.
Not only that, Murphy said after practice Monday that he’s preparing to fill a dual role: splitting time at his former position, tight end. Entering his seventh NFL season, Murphy played tight end before the Bills converted him to tackle midway through last year.
Murphy has been out for a month since being hurt during a training camp practice. He’s spent the past two weeks strengthening his shoulder and has put off having surgery until the offseason.
Murphy was particularly grateful of the faith the Bills showed in him by keeping him on their active roster after making their final cuts last weekend.
“It feels real good for someone to have faith in you like that,” said Murphy, who finished last season on injured reserve after tearing his left calf muscle. “So I feel like I’m not going to let anyone down.”
Murphy is familiar with playing through such an injury after hurting his right shoulder at college.
His versatility certainly helps the Bills at both positions.
Buffalo is short at tackle with Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters still electing not to report to the team because of a contract dispute. The Bills’ depth at tight end is also depleted behind starter Robert Royal, with backups Derek Schouman (knee) and Derek Fine (left thumb) nursing injuries.
“I’m very relieved because I feel like I have a chance to contribute this year,” Murphy said.
The Bills signed two players to their practice squad on Monday, including tight end Jonathan Stupar, a week after he had been cut by the New England Patriots. Stupar initially signed with the Patriots in May as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Virginia, where he had 80 catches for 803 yards and three touchdowns during a four-year career.
Buffalo also re-signed rookie receiver C.J. Hawthorne, who was among the Bills final cuts on Saturday.
Bills
BILLS: Murphy ready to return from shoulder injury
- Bills
-
-
Bills fire defensive coordinator George Edwards
Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey says defensive coordinator George Edwards has been fired and replaced by Dave Wannstedt.
-
Brady leads Pats to top seed, beats Bills 49-21
Falling behind means nothing to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. And because no deficit seems too big for them, the Patriots own home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
-
Bush rushes for 203 yards in Dolphins’ victory
Reggie Bush spent his first five NFL seasons in New Orleans having difficulty breaking 100 yards and the perception that he was a part-time player.
-
Bills' playoff hopes evaporate
The San Diego Chargers kept their faint playoff hopes alive while snuffing out what little chance the Buffalo Bills had of reaching the postseason.
-
Tennessee Waltz
A rejuvenated Chris Johnson is giving the Tennessee Titans’ playoff hopes some legs.
-
No cigar for Bills
Mark Sanchez threw a career-high four touchdown passes, including the winning 16-yard score to Santonio Holmes with just over a minute remaining, as the New York Jets kept pace in the AFC playoff race with a 28-24 comeback victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
-
Kick'em when they're down
A gimpy Fred Jackson said he’ll be fine. As for the rest of the Buffalo Bills, the outlook is more bleak.
-
All roads lead to Romo
Facing the best team he’ll see for a month, Tony Romo guided touchdown drives on his first four series, and Terence Newman returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown, sending the Dallas Cowboys cruising past the Buffalo Bills 44-7 on Sunday.
-
Jets soar over the Bills
The New York Jets’ back-to-basics formula — smashmouth defense and running the ball — has them firmly back in the AFC East playoff race at midseason.
-
Bills finally win in Toronto
Ryan Fitzpatrick quickly made his expensive new contract pay off, and the Buffalo Bills finally gave their adopted — and sometimes indifferent — fans north of the border a little to cheer about.
- More Bills Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
