Published: September 01, 2008 10:55 pm            

BILLS: Murphy ready to return from shoulder injury

Buffalo Bills reserve tackle Matt Murphy expects to be cleared to resume practicing next week after electing not to have season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn left rotator cuff.

Not only that, Murphy said after practice Monday that he’s preparing to fill a dual role: splitting time at his former position, tight end. Entering his seventh NFL season, Murphy played tight end before the Bills converted him to tackle midway through last year.

Murphy has been out for a month since being hurt during a training camp practice. He’s spent the past two weeks strengthening his shoulder and has put off having surgery until the offseason.

Murphy was particularly grateful of the faith the Bills showed in him by keeping him on their active roster after making their final cuts last weekend.

“It feels real good for someone to have faith in you like that,” said Murphy, who finished last season on injured reserve after tearing his left calf muscle. “So I feel like I’m not going to let anyone down.”

Murphy is familiar with playing through such an injury after hurting his right shoulder at college.

His versatility certainly helps the Bills at both positions.

Buffalo is short at tackle with Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters still electing not to report to the team because of a contract dispute. The Bills’ depth at tight end is also depleted behind starter Robert Royal, with backups Derek Schouman (knee) and Derek Fine (left thumb) nursing injuries.

“I’m very relieved because I feel like I have a chance to contribute this year,” Murphy said.

The Bills signed two players to their practice squad on Monday, including tight end Jonathan Stupar, a week after he had been cut by the New England Patriots. Stupar initially signed with the Patriots in May as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Virginia, where he had 80 catches for 803 yards and three touchdowns during a four-year career.

Buffalo also re-signed rookie receiver C.J. Hawthorne, who was among the Bills final cuts on Saturday.

        

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