NFL

Chandler tore his ACL in Week 16 last season, and it's five months to the day since he underwent surgery. On Thursday, following the team's OTA practice, Chandler was on the field running routes and catching passes. The soon-to-be 29-year-old says he "feels good," and thinks it's "realistic" to be ready for camp. We're skeptical, but it certainly sounds like Chandler might be ready for Week 1.

"I feel it's realistic," Chandler said. "I feel good, and I'm excited for the season. The injury is different than it used to be. The doctors are better." Chandler tore his ACL in Week 16 last season and underwent surgery just over four months ago. He isn't participating in drills at OTAs, but he is catching passes and running on the side. We doubt Chandler will be ready for Week 1.

A reason was not provided, but it appears Dareus is simply skipping the "voluntary" workouts. The No. 3 pick of the 2011 draft graded out as the No. 11 defensive tackle in Pro Football Focus' ratings last season. He has work to do as a run stopper, but Dareus' future remains bright at age 23.

Hackett's comments come two days after Manuel said the Bills' playbook was easier to pick up than Florida State's. "He's a young man that's got to work on a lot of things from footwork to progressions to plays to formations, everything," Hackett said. "Defenses in the NFL are obviously a little different. He's got to work on that too. He's got to work on everything."

Johnson said last week he had "no idea" when he'd be cleared to return, but it took less than seven days. "It was great to see him," OC Nathaniel Hackett said. "It was great to see him run some routes instead of being on the side. We've just got to work him back in." The Bills will take things slow with their No. 1 receiver before camp, but his back is not a long-term concern.

Woods started 38 games at USC, and he enters the NFL as a polished pro-ready receiver. He's also been hitting it off with QB E.J. Manuel, and the two connected on several passes at rookie minicamp. "[Woods] always seemed to be open and ran great routes," Manuel said. "You want to get the playmakers the ball." Woods is expected to man the Z receiver spot, while a host of others compete at the X position. Stevie Johnson will work the slot.

Alonso lined up mostly on the strong side during rookie minicamp, but the Bills are putting more on his plate. Per NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal, Alonso and veteran Bryan Scott were the first-team inside 'backers Tuesday, while Nigel Bradham and Arthur Moats worked with the second unit. Alonso is going to be asked to play major snaps as a rookie, and he's a three-down linebacker.