ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Bills starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin has finally parked the small push cart he’s been using to keep weight off his injured right ankle.
The next step: Riding a stationary bike.
McKelvin took part in light workouts on Tuesday after trainers removed the protective boot he had been wearing since training camp opened in late July.
Coach Rex Ryan called it a step in the right direction, while adding there’s no timetable when McKelvin can begin practicing.
McKelvin has been sidelined since having a follow-up procedure to repair the ankle he first broke during a game in November. He spent camp watching practice from a golf cart, and also got around on a small push cart with a padded surface on which he rested his right leg.
Led by an athletic trainer, McKelvin wheeled the cart into the Bills training facility for one last time Tuesday morning. McKelvin joked he was so eager to be rid of the cart that he might even set it on fire.
The cart was parked at his locker following practice, and McKelvin didn’t make himself available to reporters.
The seventh-year player remains on the active/non-football injury list.
The Bills have until Saturday when NFL teams make their final cuts to determine whether to activate McKelvin. Ryan previously said the Bills intend to keep a roster spot open for McKelvin because he is expected to return early into the season.
Rookie second-round pick Ronald Darby has been inconsistent in three preseason games filling in for McKelvin.
The Bills made several roster moves later in the day by claiming centre Dalton Freeman and linebacker Kevin Reddick off waivers.
Freeman played for Ryan with the New York Jets last season, when he had one start in 16 games. He was cut by the Jets on Sunday.
Reddick was cut by Carolina on Sunday, and has played 21 career games split between the Panthers, New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers.
To make room, the Bills released linebacker Jimmy Gaines and designated offensive tackle Tyson Chandler as waived/injured.
The two newcomers are expected to play Thursday night, when the Bills (2-1) close their preseason at Detroit (2-1).
Ryan intends to sit out all of his starters against the Lions to have them ready for the season-opener against Indianapolis on Sept. 13. Fourth-string quarterback Matt Simms is scheduled to start and play the entire game.
Ryan said there’s a chance backup running back Boobie Dixon will play after missing the first three preseason games with a pulled calf muscle.
