A 14-game starter in 2013, Bills wide receiver Robert Woods wasn’t with the first-team offense in the preseason opener vs. the Giants on Sunday night.
The silver lining for the second-year wideout — assuming there was one — was Woods serving notice he’s still a starter-caliber talent, as he scored Buffalo’s only touchdown and led the club in receiving yards in a 17-13 loss.
According to ESPN’s Mike Rodak, Bills coach Doug Marrone met with Woods after a walk-through Wednesday morning. And after practice Wednesday, Marrone indicated he wants Woods to take a more aggressive approach.
“We know Robert can play three positions for us,” Marrone told reporters, according to audio from WHAM 1180 in Rochester. “We’re just trying to figure out what’s the best combination that we have out there.
“When Robert first came to camp, he didn’t do that. Not to say he was complacent or not, but I told Robert today, when he plays with that little chip on his shoulder, he’s a darn good football player. I said, ‘We need to see you play more with a chip on your shoulder every single day,’ and I think you’ll see that same result that you’re able to see from the game and today.”
Marrone then shed a little more light on why and how he communicated with the receiver.
“I just think you tell the player the truth,” Marrone said. “You know, I really do. . . . I just wanted to make sure that we’re all on the same page.”
According to Rodak, Woods’ Wednesday practice may well have been his strongest in more than a week.
The Bills play at Carolina on Friday, and Woods’ play and usage figure to be closely monitored.