NFL

A reason was not provided, but it appears Dareus is simply skipping the "voluntary" workouts. The No. 3 pick of the 2011 draft graded out as the No. 11 defensive tackle in Pro Football Focus' ratings last season. He has work to do as a run stopper, but Dareus' future remains bright at age 23.

Hackett's comments come two days after Manuel said the Bills' playbook was easier to pick up than Florida State's. "He's a young man that's got to work on a lot of things from footwork to progressions to plays to formations, everything," Hackett said. "Defenses in the NFL are obviously a little different. He's got to work on that too. He's got to work on everything."

Johnson said last week he had "no idea" when he'd be cleared to return, but it took less than seven days. "It was great to see him," OC Nathaniel Hackett said. "It was great to see him run some routes instead of being on the side. We've just got to work him back in." The Bills will take things slow with their No. 1 receiver before camp, but his back is not a long-term concern.

Woods started 38 games at USC, and he enters the NFL as a polished pro-ready receiver. He's also been hitting it off with QB E.J. Manuel, and the two connected on several passes at rookie minicamp. "[Woods] always seemed to be open and ran great routes," Manuel said. "You want to get the playmakers the ball." Woods is expected to man the Z receiver spot, while a host of others compete at the X position. Stevie Johnson will work the slot.

Alonso lined up mostly on the strong side during rookie minicamp, but the Bills are putting more on his plate. Per NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal, Alonso and veteran Bryan Scott were the first-team inside 'backers Tuesday, while Nigel Bradham and Arthur Moats worked with the second unit. Alonso is going to be asked to play major snaps as a rookie, and he's a three-down linebacker.

Somewhere, coach Doug Marrone is wondering if that's good or bad. "To be honest, it's a true West Coast type progression offense and that's really what I wanted coming through the pre-draft process where I could just go in and go 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and just check it down or run," Manuel said. "It's that simple and I love it." Manuel should learn in the preseason that he doesn't have this NFL thing figured out just yet.

The Bills are going to use Hughes in multiple spots as they attempt to salvage him from "bust" status. Not in line for a starting job, the majority of Hughes' snaps will likely come as a sub-package rusher.