Bills starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor has every intention of starting on Sunday in Kansas City in the team's pivotal AFC Wild Card matchup with the Chiefs. Head coach Rex Ryan reiterated his expectation Wednesday that Taylor will start, but in practice Wednesday Taylor was limited and did not throw a pass.
"I did most of the handoffs," said Taylor. "They wanted to rest my throwing today. I'll be back out on the field practicing (Thursday), throwing the football and doing everything else."
On a short week with the Bills just playing Monday night, the athletic training staff recommended resting Taylor's tender shoulder Wednesday.
"He feels better today than he did, which is good," said Ryan of his quarterback Wednesday. "I'm not a doctor, but they feel he's going to be just fine."
Taylor hurt his throwing shoulder after making a short pass to Sammy Watkins in the second half of Buffalo's loss to New England Monday. He finished the game and even made a couple of long throws after sustaining the injury.
"I definitely was hurt. I had pain in it, but I'm a competitor, so I'm going to go out there and play," said Taylor. "If I feel like I can throw I'm going to play."
Buffalo's quarterback might be in need of some quality protection in light of the condition of his shoulder. That might be easier said than done in a road environment as loud as Kansas City. Not to mention the fact that the Chiefs rank sixth in the league in sacks with 29.
"They can definitely rush the passer with the two ends they have," Taylor said. "The front guys they have as well, definitely talented on the back end in the secondary. They're definitely going to present challenges for us. But I think we have the right guys to accept that challenge and we're looking forward to the matchup this weekend."
Taylor said he would never play for personal gain if he felt his condition would limit his play and hurt the team. That's why it's largely anticipated that Buffalo's starting signal caller will be suiting up Sunday.
"I feel good, ready to go," said Taylor. "A short week, got to prepare for Kansas City. I'm looking forward to the game. But definitely need a couple more days to continue to keep preparing."
