LS Ryan Neill participated in his first practice with the team after signing Tuesday to replace Chris Massey, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. Neill was Buffalo's long snapper for two seasons before being released in August and replaced by rookie Garrison Sanborn. Neill had previous tryouts in Tennessee, San Diego and Cincinnati. He figures the Bills made the move because they wouldn't want to tender him as a restricted free agent after the season. "Now, they have another rookie for two years, and don't have to worry about it," he said. Neill was one of four long snappers that tried out Monday - Nathan Hodel, Bryan Pittman and Joe Zelenka were the others - and kicker Josh Brown and punter/holder Donnie Jones participated. "I was happy with the decision," Jones said. "(Ryan) was closest to Chris on the speed of his snaps. He had speed and touch. The other guys were faster, but on placements, too fast that can make it hard on the holder." Neill has also played defensive line, and his coverage ability contributed to the Rams' decision to sign him. 10/28/2009

The Buffalo Bills have waived Neill, who's been the team's long snapper for the past two seasons.
08/19/2009