Alvin Bowen (NFL)

Because he missed all of last year with an knee injury, fans may have forgotten about linebacker Alvin Bowen.  The Bills fifth round draft pick, he injured his knee just a week into training camp.  But Bowen is back and healthy, and has not missed an OTA workout.

He plays a position that could give him plenty of chances to contribute.  Current starting outside linebacker Keith Ellison, a solid and smart player, never seems to have a strong hold on his starting spot.  The Bills backup linebackers are mostly special teams guys like Jon Corto and Blake Costanzo.  The 6-1, 222 pounder should have a very good chance to make the team as a backup and special teamer, and could challenge Ellison

I talked to Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell about Bowen this week.  He said Alvin’s got the mental skills right now, but he’s still in the process of regaining his movement.  Fewell says right now the coaches are trying to decide if Bowen can play the Will (weakside) position now manned by Kawika Mitchell, or the Sam (strongside) spot held by Ellison. 

I asked Fewell a hypothetical question based on last year, when the linebacker spot was shaken up by Angelo Crowell’s surgery and IR just three days before the opener.  I wanted to know that if healthy, would Bowen have figured into the mix when Ellison replaced Crowell.

“Yes, he would have been in that mix.  Yes, he might have been the person who got in there and made that transition,” said Fewell.

So keep an eye on #50 when training camp begins.