Orchard Park, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor didn't get much time to familiarize himself with new wide receiver Jordan Matthews on the field.

Just 15 minutes into Matthews' first practice, he suffered a chip fracture in his sternum. He finished practice but hasn't practiced since, though the Bills are hopeful he will be back for the season opener. Without the practice time to build chemistry, Taylor has taken other measures to ensure he and Matthews are on the same page.

"Just talking through a lot of things," Taylor said after the Bills' preseason game against the Eagles. "It's funny you say that, because even the first practice where he got hurt, I was able to talk him through a couple of things that happened and he was able to get a practice rep and we were able to connect on that. As long as we continue to keep talking through schemes. Last week was a short week. This week is more of a game-like week, so we can actually talk through things and get on the same page."

Taylor worked out with Matthews in the past, so the two aren't strangers. He knows what type of player he is and what type of person he is. The two are also sitting next to one another in the locker room, which they hope will speed up the jelling process.

"Just in the first day, he's an athletic guy with strong hands, confident guy," Taylor said. "He's a big guy. I know he's played inside in the slot here in Philly, but he's a big target for sure."

Sean McDermott already loves having Matthews in the building, even though he hasn't gotten to see much of him on the field.

"Going against Jordan over the years, I knew what type of player he was and what type of threat he was in certain situations and what a matchup problem he can be," McDermott said. "And then you do your research when you get into a situation like we were in a few weeks ago and all the research we had done up to that point was all positive. Basically, I can just confirm all of that. Tremendous young man with great character, great smile. We talk a lot in here about culture and a lot about positive energy, and he brings both of those in spades to the Buffalo Bills organization and he's been a great addition."

He'll be an even better addition when he can get on the field. Matthews missed much of the preseason a year ago but still had over 100 yards receiving in the Eagles' season opener. A similar output would help fans start to forget the fact that Sammy Watkins is now catching passes in Los Angeles.