The Sports Xchange

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — As the OTA portion of the Buffalo Bills’ offseason program came to an end Thursday, head coach Rex Ryan was happy with the team’s progress but also sent a warning flare that training camp is where jobs will be won and lost.

“Until the pads come on, a guy can be a star in OTAs, but then the pads come on and he doesn’t exist,” Ryan said. “But I’m confident with this football team, I feel good about it and where we are. You’re putting in two brand new systems on offense and defense.

“Although there’s been some rough spots, it seems like we’re on pace. I’m happy with the conditioning of our players, it seems they’re all in shape, which is important when you hit minicamp. After that, they’re on their own, so I think we have a pretty good start with that.”

The Bills hold their mandatory three-day minicamp next week, but again, those won’t be practices in pads, just a continuation of what has been going on the past month. The only difference is that every player is required to be in attendance, which means guard Chris Williams is expected to show up.

Williams is the only player who has not been at One Bills Drive for a single day during the offseason program. He suffered a back injury early last season, sat out the final 13 games and was rarely heard from.

General manager Doug Whaley told the Associated Press that he has been in contact with Williams and said the veteran has not recovered from his back surgery and that’s why he hasn’t been back. Whaley said Williams is expected to be in town for the minicamp and will be evaluated to determine his status for training camp.

–Wide receiver Percy Harvin has not worked out with the team since the middle of last week, and Ryan did not provide a reason why, only to say “these things are voluntary.”

Harvin was a regular at the offseason workouts until his absence for the past five practices. Last week, receivers coach Sanjay Lal said he expected Harvin back in the building this week. But Harvin stayed away, and there doesn’t seem to be an injury that is at the root of his disappearance. Harvin is expected to be back for the minicamp.