The Buffalo Bills were unsure if safety Jairus Byrd would return to the field for training camp. Now they're unsure if he'll return to the field for Week 1.
Bills coach Doug Marrone told reporters Sunday that Byrd, who skipped out on all spring and summer activities after being franchise-tagged, is currently suffering from plantar fasciitis, an ailment that involves inflammation of the ligament in the arch of the foot.
Marrone said he was "not sure" when asked about Byrd's status for the season-opener Sunday.
"He’s still working his way back in," Marrone said. "Doing a couple of team things, but again still working his way back in to get him in a position where he can help us."
Not only is Byrd behind in new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's system from a mental standpoint, but he's also unable to get up to speed physically due to his current injury setback. Byrd rejoined his team just over a week ago, a day after training camp concluded.
“I need to be good to go before I step out there," he said. "Once my body allows me to be out there and be at 100 percent ready to play, I'll go."
As the perceived defensive leader, Byrd should have been ready to go weeks ago. Now the team will be lucky to start the season with him.
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