In an interview at Bills training camp on Wednesday, LB Paul Posluszny talked about being limited for upcoming practices as he recovers from minor groin surgery this offseason. The procedure, which is being described as “preventative,” is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks, but will not extend through the preseason.
Buffalo is transitioning to the 3-4 defense this season, and while Posluszny’s experiences at Penn State will help acclimate him to the type of blitz packages the team plans to install, the injury will reportedly cut into his participation in 11-on-11 drills.
“It definitely would be better if I could start out fresh with the guys,” said Posluszny. “I feel like I was able to pick up the defense pretty well in OTA’s and mini-camp, but I definitely need to be out there, especially now that we have pads on and it’s the real deal. I need to be out there getting comfortable hitting again, fitting in this style of defense, so I am going to be somehwhat behind, that’s for sure. I wish I could start tomorrow with the guys. Hopefully I’ll be able to catch up when I get back out there.”
As the Bills leading tackler in 2009, Posluszny is expected to call the defense alongside veteran LB Andra Davis, who is also slated for an important role in George Edward’s secondary, which is looking to improve from the NFL’s 30th ranked rush defense.
Although not considered “injury prone,” Posluszny was limited to 12 games in 2009 with an injured shoulder, and suffered a season-ending broken forearm during his rookie year (2007).
The Bills are counting on Posluszny to compete in the AFC East, where many national publications are picking them to finish last in the division, and among the lower-half in the conference.
“It’s our job to go out and prove them wrong, said Posluszny. “We have a lot of confidence in our abilities and what we can do on the field. But you’ve got to go out and perform. That’s obviously the biggest thing. We’ve got to go out, win football games from the start, and then it will all change and work itself out.”