NFL: Ex-Warrior C.J. Hawthorne has surgery; Bills waive 5 others
Associated Press
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo coach Dick Jauron said that receiver CJ Hawthorne had surgery on his left foot, but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
Hawthorne formed one of Hawaii's best receiving corps, which included Davone Bess, now with the Miami Dolphins; Ryan Grice-Mullins and Jason Rivers. Quarterback Colt Brennan is now with the Washington Redskins.
The Bills also announced that linebacker Blake Costanzo was one of five players waived after the team concluded its final spring minicamp session on Thursday.
Used primarily on special teams, Costanzo appeared in all 16 games last season. He also played in three games for Buffalo in 2007.
Also waived by the Bills were defensive linemen John Faletoese and Gerald Washington, offensive lineman Joel Bell, and defensive back Kyle Ward.
The moves came shortly after the Bills completed a three-day mandatory minicamp. The team is off until opening training camp in suburban Rochester on July 25.
Costanzo, who recorded seven special teams tackles and forced two fumbles in a 54-31 win at Kansas City last season, proved to be the odd man out in the competition for linebacker spots.
The Bills signed veteran free agent Pat Thomas in the offseason and are also welcoming back Alvin Bowen, last year’s fifth-round draft pick, who missed last season with a knee injury.
The team also has high hopes for undrafted rookie Ashlee Palmer, who was signed as a free agent.
In closing minicamp, Jauron updated the status of his injured players. He indicated that reserve linebacker John DiGiorgio and receiver James Hardy — both are coming off season-ending knee injuries — could open training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
Running back Marshawn Lynch did not practice the past three days because of a swollen foot. Tests revealed nothing was broken, Jauron said.
Reserve offensive lineman Nick Hennessey is out indefinitely after hurting his right leg in practice this week.