The Sabres are still without Zach Bogosian, who remains day-to-day after leaving Buffalo's game against New York last Friday with a lower-body injury. Justin Falk is also day-to-day after missing practice on Tuesday. Housley said he does not expect Falk to practice Wednesday.
With Bogosian and Falk absent, the Sabres practiced with seven defensemen: McCabe, Nathan Beaulieu, Rasmus Ristolainen, Victor Antipin, Marco Scandella, Josh Gorges and Matt Tennyson.
Scandella is returning from offseason hip surgery, and while he has practiced regularly, he did not play in the preseason. He has not been confirmed to play Thursday, but Housley offered a promising update following practice.
"Marco's been doing great," Housley said. "We said it was going to be a process with him and his progress is going in a great direction. These last two practices were pretty intense, there was a lot of battle but he looked great out there so that's promising."
McCabe skated on a pair with Antipin, marking the first time they've worked as a defensive unit in camp. While Antipin is still growing accustomed to North America and the English language in general, McCabe said there were no hiccups through one day on the ice.
"We actually talked a ton out there," McCabe said. "We communicated well. I thought our switches in our D-zone went well. I think it's really come along for him, and I think you can see it throughout camp, how his confidence is rising."
McCabe averaged a career-high 20:42 last season and scored three goals and 17 assists for 20 points. His shorthanded goal against Carolina in Buffalo's preseason opener on Sept. 18, when he joined the rush and scored from the left faceoff circle, showed room for offensive growth in Housley's system.
While the Sabres may have to wait a bit longer before their defense returns to full strength, McCabe's return is a step in the right direction.
"Today was a good day," he said. "Coach Housley is the one in charge of the lineup, but it was nice to get back out with the boys."