Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson Unlikely to Play Against Miami Dolphins
By Paul Taylor
Shaq Lawson says he’s 100 percent, but Buffalo Bills’ head coach Rex Ryan will probably wait until Week 8 before giving the 2016 first rounder his professional debut.
Shaq Lawson has been given a clean bill of health by the Buffalo Bills. Unsurprisingly, he’s extremely positive as he gets to finally practice with his teammates.
Speaking to Bills Insider Chris Brown, Lawson said: “It’s going to feel better to know that I’m 100 percent.
“We took care of the problem with my shoulder and went to see one of the greatest doctors in New York. Being 100 percent it’s going to be a better Shaq on the field.”
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Any time a player refers to themselves in the third person, you know they’re feeling good. However, the 2016 19th overall draft pick is unlikely to make his Bills’ debut on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Head coach Rex Ryan explained why to Brown and the rest of the media: “He will start practicing with our team and we will see where he is at.
“I guess it is hard to imagine, but he has not had one day in NFL practice, but we will see how he is. Then we will look at it as the week goes on to see if he will play.”
In truth, Ryan is making the right call, despite everyone being eager to see Lawson in action: “I thought initially we waited this long for our first round pick, but we’ve got to do the smart thing and what is best for the young man also.”
A lot is expected from the 2015 Consensus All-American. After being drafted in May, Bills’ General Manager Doug Whaley immediately slated him as a starter.
However, that situation has now changed, due to a combination of Lawson’s shoulder surgery, and the form of Lorenzo Alexander, who currently leads the NFL in sacks. As Ryan said: “No he is not going to start now, but we are going to work Shaq in there.”
From Lawson’s point of view, he’s realistic about his situation: “I’ll continue to learn from guys like Marcell, Kyle, ‘Zo and Jerry, the guys who have been here.
“I need to continue to learn from those guys and from great coaches like coach (John) Blake, coach Rob (Ryan) and coach Rex. It’s what is going to continue to help get my game better and be the player people thought I was when they first drafted me.”
Overall, the 22-year should prove to be an excellent addition to a defense which has bounced back from their struggles last season. As Ryan said: “We know he is a really good talent and I think combined with the players that we have, I think it will be good.”
Certainly, Lawson expects to make a difference: “I was good with just one arm throughout my college career. Now with my other shoulder stronger maybe I can be a dominant player.
“Through the whole rehab I’d tell myself, ‘When you get a 100 percent Shaq, it’s going to look a whole lot better out there.’” The rest of the NFL should consider themselves put on notice.
Next: Shaq Lawson is ready to roll
Are you happy to give Lawson another week to prepare, or would you throw him right into the action against the Dolphins? Regardless, what kind of impact are you predicting, when he finally gets onto the field? Let us know in the comments section below.