The Bills wrapped up a week of player organized workouts on Thursday at Sahlen's Sports Park in Elma.
About 30 players ran drills and lifted weights for the fourth straight day as they trained on their own during the NFL lockout.
"It didn't only meet expectations, it surpassed it,"said Bills safety George Wilson. "This week has been a true testament to what being a pro means. Guys making the necessary sacrifices to be here and then putting in the time and work when we're out here on the field or in the weight room to make sure we're getting something out of the workouts."
The players could have no contact with their coaches during the workouts so veterans like quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and Wilson helped to organize and lead the sessions.
"You know this week was great, just being able to see the guys and getting back with everybody and start to remember why your playing the game and who you're playing it for," said Fitzpatrick.
The players didn't run any team drills during the week in an effort to avoid injuries. However, Fitzpatrick says anytime he gets to work with his receivers is valuable. "The quarterback-receiver relationship and the timing of that is something that you can work on year round."
Bills players believe the work they put in this week will help to make up for the offseason practices they are missing due to the lockout.
Wilson said the workouts also help to show how much the players want to play. "Just to show all the fans, all the people that follow the game that even though we're locked out, we're eager to get back to work and we're not going to allow the lockout to stop us or hinder us from preparing for a season."
Wilson said if the lockout continues the players will organize another group workout session for later this summer.
WGRZ