Mike Tolbert hasn’t wasted any time in becoming a fan favorite with his new team. The 31- year-old was initially expected to contribute on special teams in Buffalo but quickly surpassed those expectations after becoming the team’s No. 2 running back behind LeSean McCoy. Tolbert has also become an important and dependable presence in the locker room, unafraid to speak out on social issues and other matters. Bills Digest recently caught up with Tolbert to get his thoughts on how his first year in Buffalo is going so far.
1 We’re in the thick of the season right now and it seems to be going pretty well for you both as a team and for you personally. How are things going so far?
A: It’s going great. Didn’t really expect to be the No. 2 guy (at running back), I thought I would have a bigger role on special teams and help out on offense when I could. But I’ve put in the work, coaches and my teammates believe in me so I’m ready to go. I’m having a good time with it.
2 How much of a pleasant surprise has that been? Because like you said when you signed here you were expected to contribute more as a special teams player, but here you are as the No. 2 running back behind LeSean McCoy.
A: It’s been a great surprise cause I’m a guy that’s used to having the ball in my hands earlier on in my career. Obviously the past few years being on a team with such a high-powered offense with Cam (Newton) and guys like that I didn’t get the ball as much but I feel like I’m doing a good job at what they’re asking me to do here and I feel like continuing this.
3 In your opinion, what do you think led to that type of role for you on this team? I know we as reporters saw at spring practices that you had plenty of spring in your step and that you looked like you could certainly contribute in a handful of ways on offense.
This story is from the Nov. 18, 2017: Vol. 14, No. 10 edition of Bills Digest.
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This story is from the Nov. 18, 2017: Vol. 14, No. 10 edition of Bills Digest.
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Stefon Diggs had one of the best seasons ever by a Bills receiver in 2020, and he’s looking for an encore. Diggs was clearly amped up and ready to go as the Bills began their preparations for the new season, leading the huddle and supporting his teammates as they kicked off training camp in Orchard Park. Diggs recently touched on his goals for the upcoming season for both himself and the team in an informative discussion with members of the media. Here are the highlights from that discussion.
RUNNING BACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Aaron Jones, Packers 5-9 • 208 pounds • 27 years old A fifth-round steal in the 2017 draft out of UTEP, Jones is equally proficient in the running and passing games. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards the last two years, and caught 49 and 47 passes, respectively. He’s also a touchdown machine with 30 TDs the last two years (25 rushing and 5 receiving). The son of two career Army officers, he’s a tough, driven player and the kind of guy players want on their team.
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Dak Prescott, Cowboys 6-2 • 235 pounds • 27 years old A solid starter who has a nice TD-INT ratio over his first five seasons (104-40), Prescott is an accurate thrower and very mobile. However, he’s coming off a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, so it remains to be seen if this will impact his game moving forward.
TIGHT ENDS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Hunter Henry, Chargers 6-5 • 250 pounds • 29 years old A very talented player, Henry has had issues staying healthy, unable to complete an NFL season, including missing the entire 2018 season with a torn ACL. But when healthy, he’s a terrific all-around tight end who really connected with Justin Herbert in 2020 with 60 catches. Henry is very good at finding holes in zone coverage.
