Bills waive 5 players, including LB Costanzo

Jun 11, 2009 - 8:40 PM ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.(AP) -- Linebacker Blake Costanzo was one of five players waived by the Buffalo Bills 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, coach Dick 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.

Jauron added that receiver CJ Hawthorne had surgery on his left foot, but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Reserve offensive lineman Nick Hennessey is out indefinitely after hurting his right leg in practice this week.