Fans of the Buffalo Bills can all let out a collective sigh of relief.
After appearing to suffer what the Bills announced as a "chip fracture in his sternum," Bills wide receiver Jordan Matthews returned to practice on Sunday. Matthews wasn't dressed in pads meaning that he wouldn't partake in team practice. Instead, Matthews took the field for individual drills.
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Matthews was acquired by the Eagles in last month's trade that sent cornerback Ronald Darby to Philadelphia. Matthews has yet to play this preseason and while the Bills don't seem to rush their newly acquired asset to the field: the 25-year-old expects to suit up on Sept. 10 for the Eagles' matchup against the Washington Redskins.
#Bills WR Jordan Matthews is "extremely confident" he'll play Week One. Full answer: pic.twitter.com/TgQDRuLJQs
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) August 20, 2017
In Matthews' absense, the Bills saw Rod Streater and rookie Zay Jones flourish. During the Bills preseason game against the Eagles, Jones recorded three receptions for 42 yards while Streater added 40 yards on two completions.
Bills improving on defense
When the Bills traded the aforementioned Darby, it left many to wonder what the Bills front office had up their sleeve. With one preseason game in the books since the blockbuster trade went down on Aug. 11, Bills head coach Sean McDermott had nothing but positive remarks about the revamped defense.
"I'm very happy with the progress," McDermott told reporters. "They're playing fast and confident."
Through the first two games of the preseason, the Bills have allowed an average of 285 yards per game. The mark has the Bills within the NFL's top 10, with intentions to continue climbing.
The Bills hold an experienced defense with the additions of safety Micah Hyde and cornerback E.J Gaines — who the Bills received for Sammy Watkins. And with Lorenzo Alexander moving to strong-side linebacker, the Bills could certainly improve in the 4-3 defense McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier had implanted.
MORE: McDermott on offense
Alexander is the only remaining Bills player to record an interception in 2016.
He led the team with 12 1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles. The 34-year-old Alexander doesn't appear to be slowing down either: He already kicked off his year by forcing a fumble against the Eagles which the Bills ultimately recovered. Alexander isn't the only member of the defensive unit to continue to serve as a "standout."
Gaines seems to have fit in quite nicely with his new team as he already has an interception. While their true test kicks off when the regular season begins on Sept. 9, the Bills are giving McDermott plenty to be pleased with early in the preseason.