Aug. 31, 2008

 Word out of Foxborough is that LaMont Jordan is making a strong bid to be the first running back off the bench, even ahead of consummate third-down back Kevin Faulk, who won’t be helped by his one-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. Jordan’s toughness and physical abilities have won over the coaching staff.

 We’re hearing that Buffalo rookie Leodis McKelvin’s tremendous special-teams proclivity has the Bills seriously considering having him return either punts or kickoffs, despite the presence of Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish — two of the best kickoff and punt returners in the NFL.