It’s not a major problem, but the sports hernia injury suffered by Bills rookie FS Jairus Byrd does slow down the Bills push to move him into a prominent role.  As reported by News 4 Sports Tuesday night, Byrd suffered the injury a few weeks ago, and he’s likely to miss a few weeks of training camp after surgery to repair the hernia.

Byrd will be in camp very soon to continue his rehab from the surgery.  But these early camp days were supposed to be the days when the 2nd round draft pick would make a push for the starting FS spot.  He’s a favorite of Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell and his experience playing CB at Oregon had the Bills hoping that he might be able to line up and start on opening day.  That’s not likely to happen now, after he misses a few weeks of camp

The plan was for Byrd to handle the FS spot, and have Donte Whitner move back to play SS.  Although Whitner insisted today when I spoke with him at camp that he wants to stay at FS, I think there’s no question he’ll be more effective playing the strong safety spot.  Now, he’s probably going to stay at FS, at least for the duration of training camp.  Bryan Scott can continue to play the starting strong spot, and Ko Simpson may get a new lease on life as far a roster spot, at least until Byrd is completely healthy.

The Bills will adjust, but the Byrd injury puts a temporary crimp in their plans for the defensive backfield. 

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