Corto Makes the Cut

Good for Orchard Park's Jon Corto. The call never came on Saturday, as the Bills cut their roster to 53. No call means Corto made it. What a great story for a kid who grew up just miles from the Ralph, and played there as a high school player. The story is ever more amazing because just two weeks ago, Corto switched positions from safety to linebacker. That was his college position, and depite being undersized, his speed and quickness won over the coaches. Its likely that special teams played a big role in Jon making the team.

For more on the cuts, and what other surprises made the team, visit this story on the main sports page at wivb.com

http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=8927032&nav=menu41_4

Tight End Injuries Impact Roster

Dick Jauron revealed today that rookie tight end Derek Fine (pictured) had surgery to repair a "significant" thumb injury. Jauron says he'll be out for a while, but provided no timetable. The coach did say that Fine has not (and intimated that he would not) been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Jauron did say that previously injured tight end Derek Schouman is improving, and hinted that he could be ready for the Seahawks.

So those two injuries leave just three healthy tight ends: Robert Royal, Tim Massaquoi and Courtney Anderson. Massaquoi and Anderson haven't done much to impress since camp started, but likely one of them will be on the final 53 for the opener. Fine won't be ready, and Schouman may not be. So the Bills can't go into the Seattle game with just Royal. That will have an impact on the final roster decisions. Do the Bills carry Fine for what would be at least 4 weeks? Probably. So that's a roster spot for a 4th tight end, while still needing three healthy ones to play. Also remember that a tight end will be the backup fullback to Darian Barnes.

Some final 53 decisions that come Saturday will be impacted by the tight end situation.

Lucas Oil Stadium-Buffalo Blueprint

Lucas Oil Stadium...the new home of the Indianpolis Colts...is great. Its just the right size at 63,000 seats. The retractable roof, while still a bit of a novelty, adds an outdoor element to the gameday experience. The 90 foot high, 200 foot long opening windows in the end zone really add a wind/weather element to the building. At times during the Bills preseason game, there was a 20 mile an hour breeze blowing down the field.
Being there, and seeing the place, made me think that this is what Buffalo should have if there are ever plans to build a new stadium. The size is right, the ammenities are not over the top, like the new homes for the Cowboys or Giants/Jets. Should any new home of the Bills have a roof? Even if it is retractable? Does a roof that closes make the building more useful, and thus, more cost-effective? Or does any new Buffalo stadium play to our local guts and glory, and live with the elements? It would be cheaper, and that's going to be a factor.
A retractable roof stadium similar to L-O-S could sit downtown or on the outer harbor. The movable windows could face the lake for the full weather effect, or face downtown for a better view and less weather.
I talked with Bills punter Brian Moorman, and he said if there ever is a new stadium with windows that face the lake...he hopes they stay closed.