The Bills are feeling good after completing their first set of back-to-back road wins since the 2004 season, but quarterback Trent Edwards is still not in any shape to play in a game a week removed from a concussion suffered in Week 6.
On Monday head coach Dick Jauron ruled Edwards out for this Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.
"Trent is following right along with the protocol for a head injury, but he will not play this week," said Jauron. "From what I understand from our doctors that's the proper protocol. That's the conservative approach and that's the approach that we'll take."
Edwards sustained the concussion after a second quarter sack he took against the Jets. Wrapped up around the ankles by one tackler, Edwards was also hit up high and dropped on his back with his head hitting the turf.
The Bills quarterback did not participate in any physical activity last week adhering to the medical protocol following a concussion. His only visits to One Bills Drive last week were to check in with doctors.
This week however, he will resume activity with the anticipation that he'll begin to do football-related work, though it's unclear as to whether he'll participate in practice with his teammates.
"He's physically active now so he'll work out (Monday) and work out (Tuesday) and we'll get to Wednesday and he'll start football workouts, but he won't play this week."
That means Ryan Fitzpatrick will get his second straight start this Sunday against Houston. Fitzpatrick went 11-22 for 123 yards and a touchdown in the win over Carolina. He has not committed a turnover during his time in the lineup.
When asked if Edwards will still be his starting quarterback when he is medically cleared to play, Jauron chose to wait on providing an answer to the question.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," said Jauron.
After suffering his first concussion last season in Week 4 Edwards was able to return after two weeks of rest. That will not be the case this time around. Jauron admitted that two concussions in one calendar year adds up, and is a factor in why he'll miss a second straight game.
"It does have an effect," Jauron said.
Buffalo has a bye week following the Houston game affording Edwards an additional week of rest, as he'll be a month removed from his concussion before potentially taking the field again at Tennessee on Nov. 15. Of course that's provided Jauron chooses to re-insert him into the lineup.
