Bills players begin lockout workouts

ELMA, NY (WIVB) - It wasn't at the Stadium.  There were no Bills coaches.  But it did look a little like a Bills offseason workout.  Lee Evans was there.  So was Ryan Fitzpatrick.  Even rookie draft picks Da'Norris Searcy and Kelvin Sheppard attended.  The Bills players organized their own lockout practice session, and over 30 showed up on Monday to hit the field at Sahlen's Sports Park in Elma.

>> click here to see a photo gallery from Monday's workout

The workouts will continue through Thursday.

Fred Jackson, Jon Corto and Bills player rep George Wilson organized the sessions.  They were joined by other Bills players like Chris Kelsay, Bryan Scott, Leodis McKelvin, Geoff Hangartner, Andy Levitre, Brian Brohm, Corey McIntyre, Jairus Byrd, Naaman Roosevelt, Demetrius Bell and Aaron Maybin.

More players are expected later in the week, including first round draft pick Marcell Dareus.  Players are paying their own way to Buffalo, and staying in hotels or at other players homes.

The Monday session consisted of weightlifting, stretching, jogging, and some football-related walk-throughs.  Local trainers Demeris Johnson and Bob Bateson are donating their time to train the players.

Wilson is specifically telling the players to keep the practices at a low temp.  None of the players have NFL heath insurance, and are paying for their own coverage.  So any injuries could be costly, and effect their spot on the Bills roster when football returns.  Wilson specifically told rookies Sheppard and Searcy to sit out the on-field drills becasue they do not even have contracts and can't risk injury.

So the sessions are mostly about player bonding and commraderie.  Most of the guys have not seen each other since the season ended.