There are a handful of Bills players that are listed as questionable for Sunday's game in New England, but it sounds as if DE Chris Kelsay might be the biggest long shot to play. Kelsay, who sustained a neck injury early in practiceThursday, did not practice on Friday.
"It's not major, but I don't know if he can get ready for this week," said head coach Chan Gailey. "We'll have to see how the treatment goes and whether he can get ready for this week or not."
If Kelsay can't play it could prove to be a crucial absence for Buffalo's run defense. New England rolled up 247 rushing yards in the first meeting with the Bills. Kyle Moore and Shawne Merriman would be the two primary replacements at end should Kelsay be unable to play.
"(Moore) has gotten better and he's got some work to do in playing the run, but he's done a pretty good job on the pass rush when he's been in there," said Gailey. "So he's going to have to muscle up this week. They're going to want to run the football."
Merriman since he has returned to the club a few weeks ago has been used sparingly in games. Last week he got eight snaps against Houston, but he could see more time if Kelsay is inactive.
"I think he can go in there and play a rotation just like Kyle (Moore) has been playing a rotation," said Gailey of Merriman. "I think he could go in there and play a rotation with no problem. I don't think it would be fair to ask him to go play 65, or with these guys, 85 plays. So we're going to need all hands on deck on defense with all the snaps we're probably going to have."
Spencer Johnson is yet another option as he can play both defensive tackle and end. Johnson is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, and was limited in practice but is expected to play.
Starting right guard Kraig Urbik is questionable too with a foot ailment, but he too has worked in practice throughout the week though only in a limited fashion.
"They did most everything today," said Gailey of Johnson and Urbik.
Stevie Johnson and Kyle Williams are two other starters listed as questionable for Sunday's game with thigh and ankle injuries respectively. Both were limited in practice this week, but expected to start.
