BILLS NOTEBOOK
McCargo still waits for his turn
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle John McCargo says he’s healthy and eager to contribute to the team’s defense.
The former first-round draft choice almost was traded to the Indianapolis Colts a month ago, but the deal was rescinded when the Colts determined that McCargo had failed their physical due to a bulging disk in his back.
McCargo was happy about the trade because he saw it as an opportunity to get a fresh start and more playing time. He never expected to fail the physical.
“I was totally surprised,” the third-year veteran said this week. “I didn’t know the disk was ruptured or whatever. I just thought it was a back problem, so that was a shock. I didn’t feel it was that bad.”
McCargo, however, went right back into the Bills lineup four days after the trade was voided. He played seven snaps against San Diego that week and has been in uniform three out of four games since returning.
McCargo said he has no problem playing, despite the view of the Colts.
“It’s a case where the [Buffalo] doctors have said I can play through it,” McCargo said. “It doesn’t need surgery. It’s basically just a pain issue. How much pain does it cause? So I’m good right now. I’m not really feeling much pain.”
McCargo said the way that the disk will heal completely is with rest.
“It heals up by itself, I’ll just need to rest to let it heal,” he said.
Asked his reaction to the fact the Bills tried to deal him, McCargo said, “It’s like anybody. You feel like you’re not wanted. Then you have to come back to the situation. That has to do with your feelings. But this is a business. I have to look at it like a business. It definitely doesn’t feel good but it’s a business so you have to go with the flow and get back to work.”
That’s what McCargo said he’s eager to do. As the Bills’ No. 4 defensive tackle, McCargo has not received many plays. He has averaged about 10 defensive snaps a game in the seven games in which he has been active, according to News statistics. He has three tackles on the season. No. 3 defensive tackle Spencer Johnson is averaging 21 snaps.
“I feel pretty good about the way I’m moving around,” McCargo said. “The goal is to get more plays, but that’s the coaches’ decision, so it is what it is.
“I have to play; that’s all I can do,” McCargo said. “I’m a pawn in a chess game. I’m just in control of me. I take it day by day and try to handle the situation as professionally as I can and not bring my personal feelings into it.”
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Cleveland nose tackle Shaun Rogers and guard Eric Steinbach are listed as questionable for tonight. Rogers has a sore neck but played with it last week. Steinbach has a torn abdominal muscle and sat out the Denver game.
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The Bills will hand out Tops Markets rally towels to the first 55,000 fans through the gates tonight. . . . The team will host the Molson Ultimate Tailgate party in Lot C behind the scoreboard from 4:30 to 8 p. m. It will include live music by the Tom Sartori Band, interactive games and contests, along with an exhibit from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Steve Tasker is the host of the event. . . . The stadium lots open at 3:30 p. m.
